View source for Trishul (missile)

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
|is_missile=yes
|name= Trishul
|image=
|caption=
|origin=[[India]]
|type=[[Surface-to-air missile]]
|used_by= 
|designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]<!-- Infobox weapon now allows design groups in the designer section -->
|manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]]<br/>[[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]]
|unit_cost=
|propellant=[[Solid fuel]]
|production_date= 
|service= 
|engine=[[Dual-thrust]] [[solid-propellant rocket]]<ref name="Trishul"/>
|engine_power=
|weight={{convert|130|kg|abbr=on}}
|length={{convert|3|m|abbr=on}}
|height=
|diameter= {{convert|200|cm|abbr=on}}
|wingspan=
|speed= [[Mach number|Mach]] 2
|vehicle_range=
* {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|9|km|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Timeline of India's missile development programme |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/timeline-of-indias-missile-development-programme/article18708216.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=DnINwTnOY0mZ1tYDMn.PN_b5MTXAxGY4q8cwTvD1Rnk-1639469954-0-gaNycGzNGBE |access-date=14 December 2021 |work=The Hindu |date=2 June 2017}}</ref>
* {{convert|11|km|abbr=on}}
|ceiling=
|altitude=
|filling= Pre-[[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmented]] warhead
|filling_weight = {{cvt|15|kg}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Trishul missile test-fired successfully |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/trishul-missile-test-fired-successfully-106072300005_1.html |access-date=14 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=Business Standard |date=19 January 2013}}</ref>
|guidance= [[Command to line-of-sight]]
|detonation=
|launch_platform= 
* [[BMP-2]] [[chassis]]
* Truck
* Surface ship
}}

'''Trishul''' ({{Lit|[[Trishula|Trident]]}}) was a low-level quick-reaction short range [[surface-to-air missile]] developed in India by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) as part of the [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]] (IGMDP). It can also be used as an [[Sea skimming|anti-sea skimmer]] from [[naval ship]] against low flying missile, [[attack helicopter]] and aircraft.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=M |first=Anantha Krishnan |date=8 July 2003 |title=DRDO says Trishul is alive and kicking |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-says-trishul-is-alive-and-kicking/articleshow/64686.cms |access-date=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=29 November 2006 |title=Govt denies Trishul being wound up |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/govt-denies-trishul-being-wound-up/433285 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214114710/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/govt-denies-trishul-being-wound-up/433285 |archive-date=2021-12-14 |access-date=2021-12-14 |website=Outlook India}}</ref>

In 2008, Minister of Defence [[A. K. Antony]] officially announced the closure of the project on a written reply to [[Rajya Sabha]] after completion of Technology Demonstration (TD) phase.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 February 2008 |title=Development of Trishul missile system completed: Antony |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/development-of-trishul-missile-system-completed-antony/articleshow/2820195.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214123502/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/development-of-trishul-missile-system-completed-antony/articleshow/2820195.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2021-12-14 |access-date=2021-12-14 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> The development cost of Trishul Project was {{INRConvert|282.68|c|year=2008}}.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |date=27 February 2008 |title=Govt announces closure of work on Trishul missile |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-announces-closure-of-work-on-Trishul-missile/articleshow/2819873.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123184607/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-announces-closure-of-work-on-Trishul-missile/articleshow/2819873.cms |archive-date=2025-01-23 |publisher=Times of India}}</ref>

==History and development==
The Trishul missile project was commissioned in 1983 as a part of [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]]. The primary objective was to produce short range surface to air missile with a reaction time below 6 seconds. In 1985, Trishul made its first unguided flight from [[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]], [[Sriharikota]]. The missile made its first full range guided flight in 1989 but without [[television guidance]] (TVM) which was originally planned.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Hiranandani|first=Vice Adm (Retd) GM|date=8 April 2015|title=Indian Navy: Anti Missile Defence Systems|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/indian-navy-anti-missile-defence-systems/|access-date=2021-12-14|website=Indian Defence Review|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|author=<!-- Unstated -->|date=18 October 2006|title=Trishul gets another lease of life|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trishul-gets-another-lease-of-life/articleshow/2191764.cms|access-date=2022-05-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Indian Army]] and [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) wanted Trishul to replace the Soviet-era [[9K33 Osa]]. On the other hand, [[Indian Navy]] wanted to purchase [[Barak 1]] and [[Kashtan CIWS]] for [[point-defence]] role since [[Pakistan]] began acquiring [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] and [[Exocet]] from 1980s. By the late 1990s, DRDO pushed Trishul as an alternative to Barak 1 for Indian Navy. One of the biggest challenge faced by DRDO is to make Trishul skim just 5 meters above the sea waves at [[supersonic speed]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=30 October 2006|title=Trishul missile's tardy progress stains DRDO image|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20061030-trishul-missile-tardy-progress-stains-drdo-image-782138-2006-10-30|access-date=2021-12-14|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

The project was planned to be completed by 1992 and to be fitted in [[Brahmaputra-class frigate]]s as an [[Sea skimming|anti-sea skimmer]]. In 1992, the missile was successfully fired reaching [[Supersonic speed|Mach 2]] speed following a predetermined trajectory against a target mounted 7 meter above sea but variation in [[altimeter]] led to test failure. In 1997, the associated radar systems for detecting the incoming sea-skimmer were operational at [[INS Dronacharya]], but Indian Navy expressed its displeasure in the developmental delay of Trishul for the [[Brahmaputra-class frigate]]s and finally opted for Barak 1. Trishul was unable to complete all the static trials from a fixed launcher until 1998.<ref name=":5"/> By May 1998, [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] (BDL) was able to produce Trishul while the 27 tonne launch system was developed by [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]] (BHEL). The first missile produced by BDL was test fired against [[Northrop BQM-74 Chukar]] in June.<ref name=":6"/>

Upon reviewed by DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces in October 2001, the missile system was found deficient as the tracking radar beam was getting intermittent breaks resulting in the missile missing the target and the heavy [[BMP-2]] chassis did not meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) for swift mobility due to heavy weight.<ref name="DRDO">{{Cite web|last=Kumar|first=Neha|date=31 January 2008|title=DRDO's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme|url=http://www.ipcs.org/focusthemsel.php?articleNo=2480|access-date=15 December 2021|publisher=Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies}}</ref> On 25 January 2002, the naval variant of Trishul was test fired from INS Dronacharya but failed at sea-skimming capability.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 January 2002|title=Trishul missile test fired|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/trishul-missile-testfired/cid/906064|access-date=2021-12-14|website=Telegraph India}}</ref>

In 2003, [[Government of India]] announced that the missile will be a [[technology demonstrator]] and de-linked it from Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.<ref name=":5"/> But [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) was not interested in downgrading the Trishul Missile project. After modification in guidance, sub-systems and propellant composition, four missiles in full combat configuration was launched from BMP-2 from June 22 to June 25, 2003. The test achieved miss distance against moving targets above the specified requirement of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. All the sub-systems, air frames, controls, integrated with ground control system of the combat vehicle worked well.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|date=9 July 2013|title='Trishul' project is back on course: Defence ministry|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trishul-project-is-back-on-course-defence-ministry/articleshow/67803.cms|access-date=2021-12-14|website=Times of India}}</ref> By this time Trishul became more of a [[research and development]] oriented project instead of a user driven one backed by the armed forces.<ref name=":4" /> Trishul was successfully test fired from [[Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) on 10 February, 26 March and 27 March 2004.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 March 2004|title=India tests Trishul missile for second time in two days|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/india-tests-trishul-missile-for-second-time-in-two-days-1.317587|access-date=2021-12-14|website=Gulf News|language=en}}</ref> On 5 October 2005, Trishul fired towards the sea from ITR was able to hit a pilot-less target aircraft.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=5 October 2005|title=Trishul successfully test fired|work=Outlook|publisher=|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/trishul-successfully-test-fired/326965|access-date=14 December 2021}}</ref>

Until October 2006, 80 flight tests were already completed and DRDO was in dialogue with the IAF for user trials and induction.<ref name=":3"/><ref name=":1"/> In 2006, [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] [[Pranab Mukherjee]] granted one-year extension to Trishul project. Due to project delays, and modification of GSQRs and operational requirements over time, Trishul no longer able to meet the need of the end users. For continuation of the project and funding, it was proposed that the missile will be deployed in certain locations to conduct training, fire control, and air defence practice. As per [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD), Trishul Project met the performance parameters set by the original GSQRs but failed to achieve the perfect three-beam guidance and development of [[millimeter-wave]] [[active radar homing]] seeker.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2007-05-17|title=Trishul missile programme not a failure: Antony|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/05/17/trishul-missile-programme-not-a-failure-antony-1179405956.html|access-date=2021-12-14|website=One India|language=en}}</ref> The team of 200 scientists working on Trishul were reassigned for [[Barak 8]], a joint project between DRDO and [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI).<ref name=":1"/> IAF finally selected [[SPYDER]] as an alternative to Trishul.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dubey|first=Ajit Kumar|date=28 February 2017|title=India prepares Israeli SPYDER air defence missile system for Pakistan border|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/india-pakistan-border-iaf-spyder-israel-air-defence-missile-system-963021-2017-02-28|access-date=2021-12-14|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> To fulfill IAF requirement, DRDO made another attempt with [[MBDA]] on a joint project called [[Maitri (missile)|Maitri]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 December 2014|title=France hopeful of $6-billion Maitri missile project|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/france-hopeful-of-6-billion-maitri-missile-project/articleshow/45667100.cms|access-date=2021-12-15}}</ref> But it got cancelled due to lack of interest.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 August 2014|title=Rs 30,000 cr Indo-French missile {{as written|devele|opment [sic]}} plan in troubled waters|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rs-30000-cr-indo-french-missile-develeopment-plan-in-troubled-waters/articleshow/39553749.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-12-15}}</ref> All the proven technologies and learning from Trishul later helped DRDO in [[QRSAM]] and [[VL-SRSAM]]. People who worked on Trishul and Barak 8 termed the basic design flaw as one of the many reasons behind the project failure.<ref name=":5"/>

==Characteristics==
Trishul has a range between {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|9|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=Short range missile-Trishul test fired |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/short-range-missile-trishul-test-fired/articleshow/487271.cms?from=mdr |access-date=14 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=The Economic Times |date=10 February 2004}}</ref> DRDO also made an enhanced {{convert|11|km|abbr=on}} range variant for the Indian Air Force.<ref name=":1"/> It is powered by a [[Dual-thrust]] propulsion stage using high-energy [[solid propellant]].<ref name="Trishul">{{cite web|title=About Trishul|url=http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/index.jsp?pg=Trishul.jsp|access-date=30 November 2015|publisher=DRDO}}</ref> Trishul weighs {{convert|130|kg|abbr=on}} and is capable of carrying a {{convert|15|kg|abbr=on}} warhead. Trishul is 3 m in length and 20&nbsp;cm in diameter. The modified naval variant use [[command to line-of-sight]] guidance mechanism. The missile can be employed against [[Sea skimming|sea skimmers]] with a fire control [[radar]]. Trishul flies at [[supersonic]] speed. It has a low altitude [[radio altimeter]] and height lock loop control.<ref name=":0"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|India|Rocketry}}
*{{lwc|Maitri (missile)}}
*{{lwc|Anant Shastra}}
*{{lwc|VL-SRSAM}}
* {{lwc|HISAR (surface to air missile system)}}
* {{lwc|Raad (air defense system)}}
* {{lwc|Sayyad-4}}
* {{lwc|Mersad}}
* {{lwc|Bavar-373}}
* {{lwc|Khordad 15 (air defense system)}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
'''Technical:'''
* [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets]

{{Indian missiles}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of India]]