| Ballistic | Cruise |
| Launched directly into the high layers of the earth’s atmosphere | A cruise is a guided missile that can destroy a target over long distance with high accuracy. |
| Follows parabolic path | Does not follow parabolic path |
| It depends on gravity hence called ballistic. | Does not depend upon gravity |
| Classified by coverage | Classified by speed |
| Short range ballistic missile, Medium Range , Intermediate range, Inter Continental | Sub sonic
Super sonic Hyper sonic |
| AGNI, PRITHVi, DHANUSH | Brahmos, Nirbhaya |
| Can carry multiple warheads | Carry generally one warhead |
| Not highly precise | Highly precise |