India on Monday successfully carried out the first test flight of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with the MIRV technology. Agni-5 Missile launch was carried out under Mission Divyastra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement of DRDO. He posted on X, “Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with the Multiple independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle Technology.”
What Makes This Agni-5 Launch Special?
Though India has carried out many tests of Agni-5 but this flight test is special on account of following reasons-
- This is the first flight test with MIRV technology. This technology enables a single missile to carry 4-6 multiple warheads. Each having the ability to spilt into multiple re-entry vehicles and strike separate targets with precision.
This makes India enter the select group of countries who have MIRV technology. So far, only U.S, Russia, France and China reportedly have this capability.
- The MIRV technology enables penetration of advanced missile defence systems. It can potentially overwhelm missile defence systems designed to intercept single warheads
- With a range of up to 5,000 kilometers, Agni-5 missile has a strike range which covers entire Asia, including the farthest northernmost parts of China, as well as some areas of Europe. It will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities by precisely delivering many warheads to various targets.
- This system is also equipped with indigenous Avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor features. Thus ensuring that the re-entry vehicles reaches the target points with the required accuracy.
- The Agni-5 MIRV technology allows it to use smaller size warheads to generate a greater effect.
- Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology and a range of 5000 Kms, is India’s sole contender for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in long-range category.
Another thing special about this test flight is that it has a significant contribution of women and its project director is also a woman. Overall, the Agni-5 Project will greatly boost our defence and nuclear deterrence capabilities especially against China.