Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday, March 11, that India’s domestically developed Agni-5 missile has achieved a significant milestone by conducting its maiden test flight utilizing Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Applauding the scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for their achievement, he expressed pride in the successful completion of ‘Mission Divyastra’.
Agni-5, a nuclear-capable long-range surface-to-surface missile developed by DRDO, marks India’s entry into the select group of nations possessing MIRV capabilities. MIRVs enable a missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads at different targets, enhancing strategic nuclear warfare capabilities significantly.
Developed during the Cold War era, MIRV technology allows a missile to target diverse locations simultaneously, providing a significant advantage in strategic defense. While the United States pioneered MIRV deployment in the 1970s, other countries, including the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, China, and now India, have since developed and deployed MIRV-equipped missiles.
India’s successful test of Agni-5 with MIRV technology underscores its advancements in missile technology and strengthens its strategic defense capabilities. The missile, equipped with domestic avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, demonstrated precise targeting capabilities during the test.
With this milestone, India joins a small group of nations possessing MIRV technology, enhancing its deterrence capabilities and bolstering national security. The successful test of Agni-5 with MIRV technology represents a significant achievement for India’s defense research and development efforts.
