Context: Recently, Pakistan has successfully test-fired the Shaheen-III missile.

Shaheen-III Missile of Pakistan:

• It is a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile which can strike targets up to 2,750 km.
• The launch of the missile was aimed at revalidating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

What is Ballistic Missile?

• A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target.
• These weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered.
• Short-range ballistic missiles stay within the Earth's atmosphere, while intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are launched on a sub-orbital trajectory.

Other Recent Developments

• China had recently asked India to “objectively” view the Eagle-IX (or Shaheen-IX) military exercise taking place between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces, amid increasing tensions with India.

Some of India's Ballistic Missiles

• Shaurya missile,
• Prithvi missile,
• Agni missile,
• Dhanush, etc.