Difference Between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles

Cruise missiles are guided, low-altitude, and precise. Ballistic missiles are unguided, high-speed, long-range, and follow a high trajectory. Check Difference between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles.

Table of Contents

Cruise missiles are guided, jet or propeller-driven projectiles that can fly at low altitudes, follow a flexible path, and are capable of precision strikes. Ballistic missiles, on the other hand, are unguided, rocket-powered weapons that follow a high, arching trajectory before descending toward their target. They are typically much faster and have longer ranges, but they lack the in-flight manoeuvrability of cruise missiles, making them more suitable for long-range and strategic strikes.

Recently North Korea continued its weapons testing, firing cruise missiles amidst escalating tensions and “war preparations” against South Korea. Know the Difference between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles in This article.

Cruise Missiles

Cruise missiles are self-propelled, guided weapons that can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft, ships, or ground-based launchers. They are designed to fly at low altitudes and can be programmed to follow a specific flight path, often hugging the terrain, which makes them difficult to detect and intercept. Cruise missiles can carry various types of warheads and are used for precise, long-range strikes on specific targets, such as military installations, infrastructure, or high-value targets. Their ability to navigate and adapt during flight provides them with a high degree of accuracy.

Examples of Cruise missiles

Tomahawk: The United States Navy’s Tomahawk cruise missile is one of the most well-known examples. It’s used for long-range precision strikes and can be launched from ships and submarines.
BrahMos: A joint venture between India and Russia, the BrahMos cruise missile is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world.
AGM-86 ALCM: The United States Air Force employs the AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile as a nuclear-armed cruise missile.
Storm Shadow / SCALP: Developed by France and the UK, this air-launched cruise missile is used for precision strikes against high-value targets.
Kalibr: A family of cruise missiles used by Russia, including anti-ship, land-attack, and anti-submarine variants.
JASSM: The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, used by the United States and several other countries, is designed for precision strikes against high-value, well-defended targets.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to Join

Ballistic Missiles

Ballistic missiles are unguided rockets that follow a high, parabolic trajectory when launched, ascending into space and then descending rapidly toward their target. They can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and are categorized based on their range: short-range, medium-range, intermediate-range, and intercontinental-range missiles.

Ballistic missiles are known for their high speed and long-range capabilities, making them suitable for delivering strategic or long-range strikes. Unlike cruise missiles, they lack in-flight manoeuvrability but rely on their high velocity and trajectory to reach their intended targets. They are a key component of many countries’ military arsenals.

Examples of Ballistic Missiles

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): The Minuteman III ICBM used by the United States is a prime example, designed for delivering nuclear payloads over intercontinental distances.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM): The Trident II D5, used by the U.S. Navy, is an example of an SLBM capable of being launched from submarines.
Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM): The Russian Iskander-M is an MRBM used for shorter-range precision strikes.
Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM): The North Korean Hwasong-15 is an example of a SRBM with an extended range, designed for regional threats.
Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM): The Chinese DF-26 is an example of an IRBM designed for regional and strategic purposes.

Difference Between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles

Here you can check the major Differences Between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles:

Aspect	Cruise Missiles	Ballistic Missiles
Propulsion	Air-breathing (jet or propeller-driven)	Rocket-powered
Speed	Subsonic or supersonic (slower)	Supersonic to hypersonic (much faster)
Flight Altitude	Low, near the Earth’s surface	High, often into space and then descent
Guidance	Guided throughout the entire flight	Guided only during the boost phase
Maneuverability	The high degree of in-flight manoeuvrability	Limited manoeuvrability
Range	Typically longer range	Varies but often longer range, especially ICBMs
Targeting Accuracy	High precision due to guidance	Less precise due to ballistic trajectory
Launch Platforms	Various platforms, including ships, submarines, aircraft, and ground-based launchers	Mainly land-based, submarine-based, and some road-mobile launchers
Tactical Use	Precision strikes on specific targets (e.g., military installations, infrastructure)	Strategic, long-range attacks on cities, military bases, or other nations
Detectability	Harder to detect due to low altitude and smaller radar cross-section	Easier to detect during the boost phase
Warhead Types	Can carry various types, including conventional and nuclear warheads	Typically used for nuclear warheads, but can also carry conventional warheads
In-Flight Guidance Updates	Can receive updates during flight, allowing for course changes	Generally pre-programmed with no updates during flight
Examples (India)	BrahMos, Nirbhay	Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and Dhanush missiles.

Ballistic vs. Cruise Missiles

Ballistic Missiles

Classification based on Range	Characteristics	Flight Stages
Short-range (Tactical)	< 1,000 km	Boost Phase: Initial rocket-powered ascent, typically lasting 3-5 minutes in the atmosphere.
Medium-range (Theater)	1,000 – 3,000 km	Midcourse Phase: Missile continues to ascend, reaches the highest point, and begins descent. This is the longest phase.
Intermediate-range	3,000 – 5,500 km	Terminal Phase: Detached warhead(s) reenters the Earth’s atmosphere and impacts or detonates.
Long-range (Strategic/ICBM)	> 5,500 km	For ICBMs, midcourse phase can last around 20 minutes, with speeds of around 24,000 km/h.

Cruise Missiles

Characteristics	Propulsion	Flight Altitude	Guidance	Flight Path
Unmanned, propelled by jet engines	Jet engines	Low altitude, within the atmosphere	Self-guided, using GPS, terrain mapping, and inertial guidance	Pre-programmed flight path, with remote operator guidance options near the target.

Difference Between Cruise and Ballistic Missiles FAQs

What's the main difference between cruise and ballistic missiles?

Cruise missiles are guided, air-breathing, and offer in-flight maneuverability, while ballistic missiles are unguided, rocket-powered, and follow a high-arching trajectory.

Is cruise missile better than ballistic missile?

The suitability of cruise or ballistic missiles depends on the mission. Cruise missiles excel at precision strikes, while ballistic missiles offer long-range and high-speed capabilities for strategic objectives.

Which is faster ballistic or cruise?

Ballistic missiles are generally faster than cruise missiles. Ballistic missiles can travel at supersonic to hypersonic speeds, while cruise missiles are typically subsonic or supersonic but slower than ballistic missiles.

Is the BrahMos cruise or ballistic?

The BrahMos is a cruise missile. It is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia and is known for its high speed and precision in striking targets.