What is a SRBM (Short-Range Ballistic Missile)?
A Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) is a type of ballistic missile with a range of approximately 300 to 1,000 kilometres. These missiles are:
- Launched from land-based platforms, typically road-mobile Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs)
- Ballistic in nature – they follow a high-arching, suborbital trajectory after launch
- Designed to deliver high-explosive, cluster, or even nuclear warheads (depending on doctrine and capability)
- Often used for tactical or theatre-level targets, such as enemy command posts, air bases, logistics hubs, or troop concentrations
Why SRBMs Are Necessary for Bangladesh’s Defence
Bangladesh faces a unique geostrategic environment with dense bordering proximity to India and Myanmar, plus a need to protect its growing maritime and economic interests. The rationale for acquiring SRBMs includes:
a. Strategic Deterrence
- India maintains Prithvi-II, Prahaar, and Agni series missiles
- Myanmar has acquired KN-23-like SRBMs from North Korea (likely via China)
- SRBMs offer asymmetric capability—deterrence without matching adversaries plane-for-plane
b. Quick Precision Strikes
- Ability to disable enemy air bases, ammo dumps, or logistics routes within 500–800 km
- Especially vital to target Indian infrastructure near Siliguri Corridor, Assam, Tripura, or Myanmar’s Tatmadaw deployments in Rakhine/Shan
c. Deep Strike Without Air Superiority
- Allows Bangladesh to strike targets behind enemy lines even if it lacks temporary air superiority
- Increases psychological and strategic pressure on adversaries
Force Structure Suggestion
- 1 SRBM Group (equivalent to a Brigade), comprised of:
- 3–4 Batteries, each with:
- 4–6 TELs
- 24–30 missiles total (loaded + reserves)
- Command & Control Battalion
- Maintenance and Support Units
- 3–4 Batteries, each with:
Comparison of Available SRBMs
| Missile | Country | Range | Accuracy (CEP) | Payload | Mobility | Tech Transfer Potential | Unit Cost (Estimate) | Political Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DF-12 / M20 | China | 280–400 km | <30 m | 480–600 kg | Road-mobile TEL | High (via NORINCO) | ~$3–4M per unit | Low–Moderate |
| Tayfun (Typhoon) | Türkiye | ~561 km | ~30–50 m* | 470–600 kg | Road-mobile TEL | Moderate–High (via Roketsan) | ~$4–6M | Low |
| KN-23 variant | North Korea (via China) | ~450–700 km | ~35 m | 500–600 kg | Road-mobile TEL | Low (covert only) | N/A | High |
| Iskander-E | Russia | ~280 km | ~10–20 m | 480–700 kg | Road-mobile TEL | Very limited | ~$10–15M | Very High |
| Hyunmoo-2B | South Korea | ~500 km | ~15–20 m | 500–800 kg | Road-mobile TEL | Low (export restrictions) | Unknown | Moderate–High |
| Fateh-110 D | Iran | 300–500 km | ~50 m | 500–600 kg | Road-mobile TEL | Moderate (indirect via Pakistan) | ~$2–3M | Very High |
* Estimated CEP for Tayfun is unofficial and may vary based on guidance packages (INS/GPS/SATNAV/GLONASS).
Top Choice: Turkish Tayfun (Typhoon)
Why Tayfun:
- Longest range among available export-friendly SRBMs (~561 km)
- Strong chance of co-production or integration with local defence industry
- Low political baggage, aligned with Bangladesh’s increasing defence-industrial cooperation with Türkiye
- TEL mobility and guidance suitable for strike operations deep into NE India or Myanmar
- Can be integrated into joint strike doctrines with Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs and long-range artillery
Strategic Deployment Suggestion for Bangladesh
Tayfun SRBM Regiment:
- 1 Regiment HQ & C4I Battalion
- 3 Firing Batteries
- Each with 4–6 TELs (24 missiles loaded + 12 reloads)
- TB2 UAV section with three vehicles + support for targeting and BDA.
- Maintenance, Engineering & Security Units
- Forward Basing Areas:
- Northern Zone: Rangpur–Dinajpur (for reach into Assam, Siliguri Corridor)
- Southern Zone: Jhalokathi–Patuakhali (for Rakhine State, Yangon port threats)