Agni V & MIRV Technology UPSC Notes

India recently conducted a successful test of the Agni 5 Missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, a remarkable feat achieved by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This advancement, showcased in the test named Mission Divyastra, represents a strategic leap forward for India’s defence preparedness and deterrence capability. For UPSC aspirants, it holds relevance under General Studies Paper III, where the Prelims focus on the Integrated Missile Development Programme, Defence and Science & Technology, while the Mains deal with broader themes of Science & Technology and International Relations.

Download the Key takeaways on Agni 5 Missile UPSC Notes

For General Studies Paper III, the topics relevant for the Prelims include the Integrated Missile Development Programme, along with broader areas related to Defence, Science and Technology. For the Mains examination, the focus extends to themes under Science and Technology as well as issues connected with International Relations.

Agni V and Mission Divyastra

The recent trial of Agni 5 missile codenamed Mission Divyastra has realized India as an indigenous capability in integrating MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology in the long-range ballistic missile programme. Agni 5 is the result of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) which is India premier missile development programme. Some of the important features are:

• Operational Capability: Capable of covering an operational range of approximately 5,000 to 5,500 kilometres which encompass most of Asia and areas of Europe.
• Payload Weight: It is able to carry almost 1,500 kilograms with the capability to carry multiple warheads.
• Highest: Roughly 17 metres with solid-fuel propulsion technology.
• Warhead Capability: Structured to handle standard Head as able as well as atomic warheads, to increase the technique of flexibility.

This has made India part of an exclusive group of countries who can inter-deploy advanced technologies of missiles as a deterrence and a security mechanism.

What is MIRV Technology?

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology enables the implementation of additional warheads on the same ballistic missile, but the warheads not necessarily hit the same targets. Invented in the late 1960s during the Cold War, MIRVs were subsequently introduced by the Soviet Union, China, U.K. and France.

To India, to incorporate MIRV into the Agni 5 Missile means:

• Broadened combat ability of attacks against various aims in a single launch.
• Increased deterrence posture especially in reaction to new regional threat.
• Less possibilities of interception, since several warheads can overwhelm the missile defence systems.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

The IGMDP, initiated in the early 1980s under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Missile Man of India marked India’s first comprehensive attempt to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. The programme aimed at developing a family of indigenous missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag.

The Agni missile series, especially Agni 5 Missile, is a direct product of the technological expertise gained from this programme. It involved research in propulsion, navigation, guidance, materials, and control systems, laying the foundation for India’s missile self-sufficiency.

Read the article on Ministry of Defence Here!

Significance of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

The IGMDP played a pivotal role in building India’s missile capability. Its importance can be understood through:

• Technology Development: Advanced systems in propulsion, guidance, and warhead integration were mastered.
• Infrastructure Creation: Establishment of testing ranges, laboratories, and production units enabled indigenous progress.
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduced dependence on foreign powers and ensured a reliable deterrence posture against adversaries.
• Military Modernisation: Provided India with the ability to induct a wide range of tactical and strategic missiles.

Way Forward

While the successful test of the Agni 5 Missile with MIRV technology is a landmark, India must continue to focus on next-generation advancements. Emerging domains such as hypersonic glide vehicles, maneuverable reentry vehicles, decoys, jammers, and longer-range missile variants will be crucial in maintaining a credible defence posture. In an era where warfare is rapidly evolving, India’s continued investment in cutting-edge missile technology will ensure both security and strategic stability.

Conclusion

The successful test of the Agni 5 Missile with MIRV technology under Mission Divyastra marks a historic step in India’s defence journey. It not only reinforces India’s position as a responsible nuclear power but also strengthens its strategic deterrence in an evolving security landscape. Building upon the legacy of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, Agni 5 highlights India’s scientific capability and commitment to self-reliance in advanced missile technology, while paving the way for future innovations in defence and security.

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