Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for successfully conducting the maiden flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, dubbed Mission Divyastra.
What makes the test flight unique is it features Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, which ensures that the warhead can split into multiple re-entry vehicles to deliver a precise and targetted attack. A single missile would be capable of delivering multiple warheads.
"Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology," PM Modi said in a post on social networking platform X.
The Agni-5 missile, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 5,500 to 5,800 kilometres, marks a pivotal enhancement in India's strategic defence arsenal.
This development is particularly significant as it aims to bolster India's nuclear deterrence, especially against potential threats from the eastern frontiers.
Until the advent of Agni-5, India's longest-range missile was Agni-III, with a capability of reaching up to 3,500 kilometres, insufficient to cover the extreme eastern and northeastern regions of potential adversaries.
India is working towards the strengthening of the nuclear triad, which is a capability of launching nuclear missiles from land, air and sea.
Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia, including the northernmost part of China, as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range. This missile has the farthest range in the history of India's weapons program. It is also the first missile to be launched at its maximum operational range, which exceeds 5,000 km.
With the latest test, India has officially entered the exclusive league of nations possessing Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capability..
According to highly placed sources, this cutting-edge system features indigenous avionics systems and high-precision sensor packages, ensuring the re-entry vehicles precisely hit their target points. The accomplishment shows India's advancing technological prowess and signifies a significant milestone in the nation's strategic capabilities.
