The successful flight-test of the Agni-5 missile, with its range exceeding 5,000km, showcased its MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle) technology. This technology enables a single missile to carry several nuclear warheads, each capable of striking different targets hundreds of kilometers apart.
The integration of MIRV technology into the Agni-5 missile represents a significant advancement in India’s missile capabilities. It not only strengthens the country’s strategic deterrence but also enhances its ability to counter evolving threats in the region.
MIRV missiles, incidentally, can also have decoys in addition to actual warheads to fool enemy defence systems.
The flight-test of the three-stage Agni-5 with the multiple re-entry vehicles, conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on Monday afternoon, was tracked and monitored by various telemetry and radar stations. “The mission accomplished the designed parameters,” the DRDO said in a TOI report.
The test also highlighted India’s resolve to bolster its credible nuclear deterrence against China, despite concerns from some foreign policy experts and peace advocates. China has been rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities, with its Dong Feng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking targets over 12,000 kilometers away. China currently possesses more than 500 operational nuclear warheads, with plans to expand its arsenal to over 1,000 warheads by 2030. Satellite imagery also indicates China’s construction of over 300 new missile silos, further enhancing its nuclear capabilities.While countries like the US, UK, and France have submarine-launched MIRV missiles, China relies on land-based ones. Russia, on the other hand, possesses both land and sea-based MIRV missiles. Pakistan is also in the process of developing MIRV capabilities, highlighting the strategic importance of this technology in modern warfare.”This system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages, which ensured the re-entry vehicles reached the target points within the desired accuracy. The capability is an enunciator of India’s growing technological prowess,” said a source to TOI.
“With Mission Divyastra, India has joined the select group of nations who have MIRV capability. The project director is a woman and has significant contribution from women,” he added.
The successful test was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised DRDO scientists for their efforts in achieving this milestone. President of India Droupadi Murmu also hailed it as an important milestone in India’s journey towards greater geo-strategic role and capabilities.
India’s successful test of the Agni-5 with MIRV technology underscores its commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrence capabilities. Despite challenges and criticism, India remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure a credible second-strike capability, essential for deterring potential aggressors.
