The Dhanush missile is a short-range, ship-based ballistic missile – probably with a liquid propellant base – that is the naval version of India’s Prithvi missile.1
Dhanush at a Glance
Originated from: India
Possessed by: India
Class: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)
Basing: Ship-launched
Length: 8.53 m
Diameter: 1.0 m
Launch weight: 5600 kg
Payload: Single warhead, 500-1000 kg
Warhead: Nuclear, HE, submunitions, FAE, or chemical
Propulsion: Single-stage liquid propellant
Range: 250-400 km
Status: Operational
In service: 2010
In 2000 the first Dhanush missile was tested from a patrol vessel. This missile is believed to be similar to the SS-150, but equipped for launching off the deck of two different configurations of the Sukanya-class patrol vessel: the Subhadra and the Suvarna.2
According to most reports, the initial launch was a failure.3 Since that time, the missile program has launched about seven different test missiles.4
Most of these launches were successful including tests in December 2009 and March 2010. The Press Information Bureau of the Indian Government described development on the Dhanush missile in May 2010 as complete.5
The exact dimensions and performance of the Dhanush missile program are not well known. Jane’s Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis estimates that the length is 8.56 m, with a body diameter of 1.0 to 1.1 m, and a launch weight of 4,000 to 5,600 kg. The payload is presumed to be 500 to 1000 kg, with various warhead options including HE, submunitions, FAE, or chemical. It is powered by a single-stage liquid propellant and guided by an inertial system or GPS. The range is estimated in between 150 and 400 km, with an accuracy of 50 m CEP. Some sources suggest the accuracy is 25 m CEP.6