Missiles are a vital component of national defense, protecting territories and citizens. The cost of a missile varies. India is working towards more affordable missile production. The Akash missile, developed by DRDO, is a surface-to-air missile that can target enemy aircraft and drones. Each Akash missile costs about Rs 2 crore, while the total development cost was about Rs 1,000 crore, significantly cheaper than foreign counterparts. This affordability is due to the use of India’s own technology.
The BrahMos missile, a joint project between India and Russia, costs approximately Rs 34 crore per missile, with a total cost of approximately Rs 300 crore for all units. The BrahMos is supersonic, flying three times faster than the speed of sound.
The S-400 missile system, purchased from Russia, cost Rs 35,000 crore, with individual missiles costing up to Rs 8 crore. The S-400 is designed to intercept aerial threats.
The world’s most expensive missile is America’s Trident missile, with a cost of $89.7 million. This is a ballistic missile launched from a submarine and is considered a highly advanced element of America’s defense.
The cost of a missile is influenced by its type, size, technology, range, and production volume. Sophisticated components like radar, computer chips, fuel, and warheads are necessary. Any error in the production process can render the missile useless.