India Displays MIRV Missile Tech in Mission Divyastra

Mission Divyastra

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 11th March 2024, successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Named Mission Divyastra, the test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, marking a major milestone in India’s strategic defense capabilities.

How Does the Agni-5 Missile Enhance India’s Defense Capabilities?

The Agni-5 missile is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km (3,107 miles), making it capable of reaching targets across Asia and into Europe. With a length of 17.5 m (57 ft), a diameter of 2 m (6.6 ft), and a launch weight of 50,000 kg (110,231 lbs), the Agni-5 can carry a 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) nuclear warhead. The missile’s three-stage solid rocket propulsion system enables it to reach speeds of up to Mach 24 (29,635 km/h or 18,415 mph).

The strategic importance of the Agni-5 missile’s MIRV technology lies in its ability to carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets, significantly increasing its deterrent value. This capability complicates enemy missile defense strategies, as a single Agni-5 missile can now destroy several targets simultaneously.

abdul kalam island
Mission Divyastra Test Location: Abdul kalam island

What is MIRV Technology used in Mission Divyastra?

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed at different targets. Developed initially in the early 1960s, MIRVs have revolutionized the concept of ballistic missile payloads by enabling several smaller warheads to replace a single larger one.

Picture a missile as a delivery vehicle, much like a sophisticated courier service that can transport multiple packages to different destinations. Now, imagine each package contains a nuclear warhead capable of causing immense destruction. This is the essence of MIRV technology, which allows a single missile to carry and launch multiple nuclear warheads, each programmed to hit a separate target.

MIRV-Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle
MIRV-Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (Credit: armscontrolcenter)

In a MIRV-equipped missile, the warheads are housed in the missile’s “bus” or post-boost vehicle. After the main rocket motor pushes the bus into a suborbital ballistic flight path, the bus maneuvers using small on-board rocket motors and a computerized inertial guidance system. It then releases the warheads at different speeds and trajectories, allowing each to hit its designated target.

Who are the Global Players in MIRV Technology?

Currently, only a handful of countries have confirmed the deployment of MIRV missile systems, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. These nations possess MIRV technology on their intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and/or submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

With the successful test of the Agni-5 missile under Mission Divyastra, India has now joined this exclusive club of nations with MIRV-capable missiles, marking a major milestone in its defense technology.

What are the Implications of Mission Divyastra for India?

India’s development and testing of MIRV-equipped missiles have both regional and global implications. The Agni-5’s MIRV capability significantly bolsters India’s strategic deterrence posture, particularly vis-à-vis China, which has a larger nuclear arsenal and more advanced missile forces.

The successful test of the Agni-5 with MIRV technology under Mission Divyastra demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess and commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities. This achievement is aimed to shape India’s strategic position in the region and its role in global nuclear deterrence dynamics.

What Challenges Come with Deploying MIRV Technology?

Developing MIRV technology is not a simple feat. It requires advanced technical expertise in miniaturize nuclear warheads, ensuring they are compact enough to fit several within a missile’s payload capacity. Additionally, creating precise guidance systems is crucial to guarantee that each warhead reaches its intended target accurately. Ensuring the reliability and safety of these individual re-entry vehicles during the launch and separation phases adds another layer of complexity.

How Has India’s Missile Technology Evolved Over the Years?

India’s missile development program has come a long way since the early Agni series missiles. The Agni missile family, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has progressively increased in range and capabilities, from the Agni-I with a range of 700-1,250 km (434-777 miles) to the Agni-IV with a range of 3,500-4,000 km (2,174-2,485 miles).

The Agni-5, with its range of over 5,000+ km (3,106 miles), represents a significant leap in India’s missile technology. The indigenous development of the Agni series missiles highlights India’s focus on self-reliance in its defense sector.

agni-v
agni-v

How Does the Agni-5 Compare with Other Global ICBMs?

The Agni-5 missile, with its range, payload capacity, and MIRV capability, is comparable to other advanced ICBMs deployed by global powers. For instance, Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat (Satan 2) ICBM, introduced in 2022, has a range of up to 18,000 km (11,200 miles) and can carry up to 10 MIRVs.

While the exact specifications of the Agni-5’s MIRV capability remain classified, its successful test under Mission Divyastra demonstrates India’s technological advances and positions it among the elite group of nations with advanced ICBM capabilities.

What Future Developments Can Be Expected in India’s Missile Program?

As India continues to modernize its missile arsenal, future developments in the Agni series and beyond are expected. The successful integration of MIRV technology into the Agni-5 missile paves the way for further advancements in India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Ongoing research and development efforts by the DRDO are likely to focus on enhancing the range, accuracy, and payload capacity of India’s missile systems.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Mission Divyastra and the successful test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology mark a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance and technological advancement in the defense sector.

As India joins the elite club of nations with MIRV capability, it strengthens its strategic deterrence position and highlights its commitment to maintaining a credible minimum deterrent. But, the development and deployment of such advanced missile technologies also raise important questions about their impact on regional stability and global arms control efforts.

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UCN Team
UCN Team

UCN Team: Combining expertise in UPSC Exams and Tech to deliver high-resolution, insightful content for aspiring civil servants

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