India has taken a major leap in missile technology with the unveiling of the BM-04, a short-range ballistic missile capable of achieving hypersonic speeds. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled the missile at the Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 defence exhibition in Hyderabad. This latest addition to India’s arsenal is designed for high precision and rapid deployment, with a range of 400 to 1500 kilometers.

BM-04 is a road-mobile, canister-launched missile that uses solid fuel for propulsion. It weighs 11,500 kilograms and measures 10.2 meters in length with a 1.2-meter diameter. The missile carries a 500-kilogram conventional warhead and utilises both the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and GPS for pinpoint accuracy. According to DRDO, BM-04 has a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 30 metres, ensuring that at least 50% of the missiles fired will land within a 30-meter radius of their target.

Though DRDO has not explicitly stated its top speed, the BM-04's design suggests it employs a boost-glide vehicle, which enables hypersonic flight at speeds of Mach 5 and beyond. This places India among an exclusive group of nations—Russia, the United States, and China—that have developed hypersonic missile technology.

The missile is engineered to counter enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems, ensuring that Indian forces can operate freely in contested battle zones. By integrating hypersonic speed with precision targeting, BM-04 enhances India’s ability to neutralise threats swiftly and effectively.

BM-04 shares design similarities with the Agni-I class of ballistic missiles, indicating DRDO’s strategic shift towards hypersonic technology. The missile system is mounted on a six-axle Tatra launcher vehicle, making it highly mobile and easy to deploy in diverse operational scenarios. Its road mobility allows for swift transportation and launch, providing Indian defence forces with significant tactical flexibility.

The missile’s two-stage propulsion system ensures a swift and powerful trajectory towards enemy targets. With its conventional warhead and highly accurate guidance system, BM-04 is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities.

The unveiling of BM-04 marks a significant advancement in India’s missile development program. With its hypersonic potential, high accuracy, and road mobility, BM-04 is set to strengthen India’s strategic capabilities. As the global landscape evolves, the introduction of such cutting-edge weaponry reinforces India’s position among the world’s leading military powers. The Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 exhibition has showcased India's growing expertise in missile technology, paving the way for future advancements in hypersonic warfare.