The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 11th March 2024, successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
Named Mission Divyastra, the test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, marking a major milestone in India’s strategic defense capabilities
How Does the Agni-5 Missile Enhance India’s Defense Capabilities?
The Agni-5 missile is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km (3,107 miles), making it capable of reaching targets across Asia and into Europe. With a length of 17.5 m (57 ft), a diameter of 2 m (6.6 ft), and a launch weight of 50,000 kg (110,231 lbs), the Agni-5 can carry a 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) nuclear warhead. The missile’s three-stage solid rocket propulsion system enables it to reach speeds of up to Mach 24 (29,635 km/h or 18,415 mph).
The strategic importance of the Agni-5 missile’s MIRV technology lies in its ability to carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets, significantly increasing its deterrent value. This capability complicates enemy missile defense strategies, as a single Agni-5 missile can now destroy several targets simultaneously.
What is MIRV Technology used in Mission Divyastra?
MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed at different targets. Developed initially in the early 1960s, MIRVs have revolutionized the concept of ballistic missile payloads by enabling several smaller warheads to replace a single larger one.
Picture a missile as a delivery vehicle, much like a sophisticated courier service that can transport multiple packages to different destinations. Now, imagine each package contains a nuclear warhead capable of causing immense destruction. This is the essence of MIRV technology, which allows a single missile to carry and launch multiple nuclear warheads, each programmed to hit a separate target.
In a MIRV-equipped missile, the warheads are housed in the missile’s “bus” or post-boost vehicle. After the main rocket motor pushes the bus into a suborbital ballistic flight path, the bus maneuvers using small on-board rocket motors and a computerized inertial guidance system. It then releases the warheads at different speeds and trajectories, allowing each to hit its designated target.
Who are the Global Players in MIRV Technology?
Currently, only a handful of countries have confirmed the deployment of MIRV missile systems, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These nations possess MIRV technology on their intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and/or submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
With the successful test of the Agni-5 missile under Mission Divyastra, India has now joined this exclusive club of nations with MIRV-capable missiles, marking a major milestone in its defense technology.
What are the Implications of Mission Divyastra for India?
India’s development and testing of MIRV-equipped missiles have both regional and global implications. The Agni-5’s MIRV capability significantly bolsters India’s strategic deterrence posture, particularly vis-à-vis China, which has a larger nuclear arsenal and more advanced missile forces.