On March 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant achievement by DRDO scientists, who successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile under Mission Divyastra.
During the test, scientists demonstrated the Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This milestone catapults India into an exclusive group of nations possessing MIRV capabilities.
“Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology,” PM Modi expressed on the occasion.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2024
What is Agni-5?
The Agni V project aims to bolster India’s nuclear deterrence vis-à-vis China, which possesses missiles like Dongfeng-41 with ranges spanning 12,000 to 15,000 km.
Agni V possesses the capability to cover nearly all of Asia, including the northern regions of China and certain areas in Europe, within its striking radius.
With ranges ranging from 700 km to 3,500 km, Agni 1 to 4 missiles have already been deployed.
India conducted a similar test of the Agni V missile in October last year. Additionally, in June, India successfully executed a night launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile, bolstering the country’s military capabilities.
Following the test, the defense ministry reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining a “credible minimum deterrence capability.”
The Agni V system incorporates indigenous Avionics systems and high-precision sensor packages, ensuring that the re-entry vehicles reach their intended targets with remarkable accuracy.
