Source : Indian Defence News
Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher, sparking speculations about the missile
The recent arrest of DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar by the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) on charges of leaking confidential information to a Pakistani woman has inadvertently sparked speculation about India’s next-generation Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). While the details of Kurulkar’s chat conversations are not officially disclosed, there are suggestions that India has begun work on the Agni-VI, which could have an advertised range of 8,000km and potentially hit targets as far as 12,000km with a reduced payload.
The Agni series of missiles has been a focal point of India’s strategic missile program. The Agni-V, an ICBM capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has undergone eight successful test flights since 2012. In a recent test, the Agni-V demonstrated improved performance and weight reduction, resulting in a significant increase in its range from 5,000km to 8,000km, thanks to the DRDO’s switch from maraging steel to carbon composites.
It is worth noting that the DRDO has been known to showcase missiles with reduced range capabilities in their public announcements. For instance, the Agni-III, with a range of 3,500km, was the first Indian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) capable of hitting targets as far as Beijing. The Agni-IV, an improved variant of the Agni-II Prime, further enhanced India’s missile capabilities. Finally, the Agni-V, with its range of 5,000km, has the potential to strike anywhere in China.
The Agni-VI is expected to have a range between 6,000km and 8,000km, with a 3-tonne nuclear payload. However, it is speculated that with a lighter 1.5-tonne package, the missile could potentially achieve a range between 10,000km and 12,000km. The guidance system of the Agni-VI is expected to include an inertial navigation system with a Ring Laser Gyroscope, possibly augmented by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Additionally, the missile may incorporate terminal guidance with radar scene correlation, which improves accuracy by mapping the terrain.
If a full-range test of the Agni-VI beyond 6,000km were to take place, it would likely attract attention from Western media circles due to which it is likely that the missile’s official declared range will be up to 6,000km, primarily focusing on the China factor.
It is important to note that the information regarding the development and capabilities of the Agni-VI is speculative and based on limited details available in the public domain. India’s missile program is a matter of national security, and the government typically provides updates on missile tests and developments only after they have been conducted successfully. Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher Honey-trapped DRDO scientist disclosed successful testing of Agni-6 ICBM Launcher IgMp
