Missiles are fundamental to national defense, with most developed countries employing them to defend themselves. But how much does it cost to build one? The price varies greatly. In India, initiatives are in place to make missile production more accessible. The Akash missile, developed by DRDO, is a surface-to-air missile that can target enemy aircraft and drones. Each Akash missile costs around Rs 2 crore, while the total development cost was approximately Rs 1,000 crore. This is 8 to 10 times cheaper than foreign equivalents. This cost-effectiveness stems from utilizing Indian technology.
The BrahMos missile, a collaborative project between India and Russia, costs roughly Rs 34 crore per missile, with a total cost of about Rs 300 crore for all units. The BrahMos is supersonic, meaning it travels at three times the speed of sound.
The S-400 missile system, procured from Russia, cost Rs 35,000 crore in total, with each missile costing up to Rs 8 crore. This system is designed to shoot down drones and enemy aircraft.
The most expensive missile globally is America’s Trident missile, which costs $89.7 million. It’s a ballistic missile launched from submarines and is considered a cornerstone of American defense.
The cost of a missile depends on factors like type, size, technology, range, and production quantity. High-tech components, including radar, computer chips, fuel, and warheads, are essential. Furthermore, precision is critical; even a small mistake can ruin the entire missile.