CRUISE MISSILE VS BALLISTIC MISSILE

GS3: TECHNOLOGY 

Feature	Cruise Missile	Ballistic Missile
Trajectory	Follows a low-altitude, almost horizontal flight path.	Follows a parabolic trajectory, exiting and re-entering the atmosphere.
Propulsion	Powered throughout the flight.	Powered during the initial boost phase only.
Speed	Generally subsonic or supersonic.	Hypersonic during re-entry.
Maneuverability	High maneuverability; can adjust course mid-flight.	Limited maneuverability post-launch.
Range	Typically short to medium range.	Can have ranges from short to intercontinental (ICBM).
Accuracy	Extremely precise; can strike specific targets.	Less precise but suitable for large-scale destruction.
Payload Type	Conventional or nuclear warheads.	Conventional or nuclear warheads.
Detection and Defense	Difficult to detect due to low altitude and terrain masking.	Easier to detect due to high-altitude flight path.
Use Case	Tactical strikes on specific targets (e.g., bunkers).	Strategic strikes, often for deterrence or mass impact.
Examples	BrahMos, Tomahawk, Nirbhay.	Agni series, Minuteman III, Trident.

Key Differences

• Flight Path: Cruise missiles maintain a low-altitude trajectory, making them harder to detect. Ballistic missiles, on the other hand, travel at high altitudes and re-enter the atmosphere at tremendous speeds.
• Purpose: Cruise missiles are typically used for precision strikes, whereas ballistic missiles are designed for delivering payloads over long distances, often with massive destructive potential.
• Defense Systems: Cruise missiles are harder to intercept due to their agility, while ballistic missiles require advanced systems like anti-ballistic missile shields.