The U.S. Navy’s Spike missile, developed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, is often cited as the world’s smallest guided missile. Weighing just 2.4 kilograms, it uses smartphone camera tech for guidance. Designed for Navy SEALs and Marines.

‘Weighing only 2.4 kg’: The world’s smallest missile and who uses it?

Over the last 50 years, missile technology has shifted from inaccurate, short-range rockets to sophisticated systems with global reach. It has evolved from the inaccurate 300 km Scud-B of the 1970s to modern hypersonic weapons with global reach.

From raw power to precision: How missile range has evolved in 50 years

From Astra to Meteor, six nations lead the sky with a mix of extreme-range ramjets, proven mid-range precision, and agile dogfight seekers to ensure a decisive "first-look, first-kill" advantage.

From Astra to Meteor: 6 Countries with the strongest air-to-air missile technology

The 9M14 Malyutka, or AT-3 Sagger, is considered one of the slowest missiles in the world, flying at just 115 m/s. Guided by a manual joystick, it is slow enough to be dodged by alert targets. Despite its age, it remains in use due to its low cost and effectiveness against static targets.

Is it still in use? Meet the world’s slowest missile

Missile technology defines modern military power, acting as the ultimate deterrent and tactical weapon. While the United States, Russia, and China have traditionally led the field with vast nuclear arsenals and hypersonic innovations, nations like India, North Korea, France, and Israel.

‘From Agni to Avangard’: 7 countries with the best missile technology in the world

An unidentified missile hit an area of the Syrian capital, Damascus, home to a military airport, on Saturday, state media reported.

Syria: Missile Hits Near Military Airport In Syria’s Damascus |

The top10 most exported air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 and Meteor, that dominate the world's skies. These weapons form the core of global aerial combat capability.

Top 10 most exported air-to-air missiles used by global air forces

Missile sensors detect targets 300+ kilometres away using phased array radar, satellites and infrared systems. Data-links provide continuous targeting updates during flight. Network-centric integration combines multiple sensors for extended range engagement beyond line-of-sight.

How missile sensors operate at long distances

Missile sensors use Doppler radar to measure target velocity and acceleration in real-time. Proportional navigation guidance commands intercept trajectories. Track-while-scan systems enable multi-target engagement whilst maintaining accurate locks on fast-moving aircraft.

How sensors help missiles stay locked on fast-moving targets

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a salvo launch of two indigenous Pralay missiles from the same launcher on Wednesday. The test was held off the coast of Odisha at around 10:30 in the morning. The flight tests were conducted as part of user evaluation trials.

Pralay Missile Test Conducted at Integrated Test Range Off the Coast of Odisha 

Modern fighter jets survive missile threats through stealth shaping, radar-absorbent coatings, cooled engine exhaust, extreme manoeuvrability and electronic warfare. From tiny radar signatures to decoys and jammers, design choices make missiles lose lock before impact.

From tiny radar signatures to jammers: 5 design secrets of fighter jet that help it survive missile threats

The exact cost of Russia’s R-37M air-to-air missile is classified, but defence analysts estimate it at $2-4 million per unit. Built to destroy high-value targets like AWACS at extreme ranges, its price reflects size, speed and advanced guidance systems.


‘Fighter jet weapon’: How much does the Russian R-37M air-to-air missile cost?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a radical expansion of missile and shell production for 2026. This directive comes on the heels of the unveiling of a massive 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, marking a new era for Pyongyang's naval forces. 

North Korea's 2026 War Deterrent: Kim Jong Un Orders Massive Missile Production Surge

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his officials to step up production of missiles and artillery shells and construct more factories to meet his military’s growing need for the weapons, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has reported.

Kim Jong Un Pushes More Missile Production as 'War Deterrent'

Iran has conducted new missile drills that have spooked Israel, with reports suggesting the exercises could be a cover for a potential attack. Tensions rise as the U.S. monitors the situation closely. 


Israel fears Iranian surprise attack, Tehran warns of 'unimaginable response' to new attacks

Iran has conducted new missile drills that have spooked Israel, with reports suggesting the exercises could be a cover for a potential attack. Tensions rise as the U.S. monitors the situation closely.

Iran-Israel Tension: New Iranian Missile Drills Raise Israel Concerns Over Possible Attack

BrahMos is the world's fastest operational cruise missile at Mach 2.8-3.0 (3,430 km/h). Missiles from Russia, China, India, the USA, and Taiwan are pushing speed limits from Mach 3 to Mach 27. These advanced weapons show how global powers are racing for hypersonic dominance. 


‘Faster than the speed of sound’: Top 10 fastest cruise missiles in the world

Russia's RS-28 Sarmat reaches 35,000km sub-orbital range carrying 16 warheads. R-36M2 Voyevoda covers 11,000km with 10 megatons. Topol-M SS-27 mobile reaches 11,000km. Bulava submarine missile covers 8,300km. Russia maintains 286 operational ICBMs. 


10 long-range Russian missile systems

Canisterization reduced Agni-V launch time from hours to minutes. Maraging steel canisters withstand 300-400 tonnes thrust. Eight-axle Tatra trucks transport three missiles. Shelf life extends to 15 years. Rail and road deployment covers entire India.


How canisterization made Agni-V more mobile and deployment-ready

Agni-V missile handles 300-400 tonnes of launch thrust ejecting 50,000 kg from canister. Cold launch system uses pressurised gas reducing structural stress. Composite motor casings reduce weight 20 percent. Re-entry temperatures exceed 4,000°C whilst payload stays below 50°C. 


How the Agni-V missile handles extreme G-forces

Agni-V achieves less than 100m CEP accuracy using Ring Laser Gyroscope technology, triple more accurate than Shaheen-III's 300-400m. Pralay achieves 10m CEP. Dual redundant navigation systems ensure reliability. AI integration promises sub-5m future accuracy.

How Agni-V’s guidance accuracy stands out against Pakistani missile systems

Agni-V’s sleek, three-stage design cuts drag 35%, enabling Mach 24 terminal speed, longer range, and precise MIRV delivery. Shaheen-III blunter, heavier design limits speed and flexibility. Aerodynamics, stage separation, and surface tech give India a strategic edge over Pakistan’s missiles.

How Agni-V’s aerodynamic design compares with Pakistan’s long-range missile architecture

Agni-V reaches 5,000-8,000 km, China's DF-41 reaches 15,000 km, Russia's Sarmat reaches 35,000 km. Agni-V emerging capability faces mature Chinese and Russian systems. Accuracy improves from 200m to 30m across global arsenal.

Agni-V vs global long-range missiles: How India’s newest system compares with China’s ICBM tech

Agni-V’s long range, MIRV payload and advanced guidance give it abilities far beyond Shaheen-III. From high-altitude manoeuvres to faster terminal speeds, the real difference between these missiles lies in precision, propulsion and deployment flexibility.


How India's Agni-V’s high-altitude manoeuvre controls compare with Pakistan missile engineering

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