Russia’s Oreshnik missile test sparked interest and some confusion as experts compared it to other ballistic and cruise missiles in the arsenals of Russia and NATO. So, what are the main differences between these two types of missiles?
“Ballistic and Cruise Missiles: Key Differences”
Russia’s Oreshnik missile test sparked interest and some confusion as experts compared it to other ballistic and cruise missiles in the arsenals of Russia and NATO. So, what are the main differences between these two types of missiles?
Ballistic missiles
● Ballistic missiles are powered by single or multi-stage rockets that carry them high into the atmosphere. As they travel, they discard parts, and eventually, their payload detaches and follows a curved path back to Earth.
● Ballistic missiles operate in three stages. First is the boost phase, where the rocket launches the missile into motion. Next comes the midcourse phase, during which the payload, carrying the warhead, moves through space without any propulsion. It follows a curved path, continuing to rise before starting its descent. Finally, in the terminal phase, the missile descends toward its target.
● Some missiles have an additional fourth stage called the post-boost phase. In this stage, a system called a MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) adjusts the missile’s path and releases multiple warheads or fake targets. These decoys are designed to confuse enemy missile defense systems and make it harder to stop the real warheads.
● Some missiles can change their path while they still have fuel, but most of their maneuverability comes from their payload. For instance, Russia’s Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle separates from its ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) carrier and becomes highly maneuverable on its own. Similarly, MIRV systems (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) use small motors and guidance systems to make adjustments to their path. These features help them hit their targets more accurately and avoid defense systems.
Cruise Missiles
■ Cruise missiles use jet engines for power and stay within the Earth’s atmosphere throughout their flight. They often fly very close to the ground to avoid being detected by radar or defense systems, making them harder to track and intercept.
■ Cruise missiles are built for accurate attacks and can hit targets on land or at sea. They can focus on specific buildings, bunkers, or even larger areas. When equipped with nuclear warheads, they can strike much bigger targets, like entire carrier groups (naval fleets centered around aircraft carriers).
■ Cruise missiles can adjust their path throughout their flight, using tools like GPS, inertial navigation, terrain mapping, or even manual control during the final stage to stay accurate.
“Advantages and Disadvantages of Ballistic and Cruise Missiles”
i) Cruise missiles are more affordable, costing only about 15% of what a standard tactical ballistic missile costs. They are also harder to spot during launch and are more precise in hitting targets. However, their firepower is lower unless they are equipped with nuclear warheads. Most carry a payload of around 500 kg, though some, like the US AGM-86 ALCM, can carry up to 1,362 kg,Indian BrahMos can carry upto 250kgs.
ii) Ballistic missiles are less precise compared to cruise missiles, with an accuracy range of tens or even hundreds of meters, while cruise missiles can hit targets within just a few meters. However, ballistic missiles can carry much larger payloads. For example, Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat can carry up to 10,000 kg, making it far more powerful in terms of payload capacity.
iii) Ballistic missiles follow a high, curved path that lets them travel at hypersonic speeds, making them harder to stop and giving them more destructive impact when they hit. In comparison, cruise missiles usually fly at slower speeds—subsonic or supersonic—which makes them easier to intercept and less powerful in terms of impact force.