Agni-5 trial: A blast-off for superior deterrence

Source-This post on Agni-5 trial: A blast-off for superior deterrence has been created based on the article “Agni-5 trial: A blast-off for superior deterrence” published in “Live Mint” on 14 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology

News– India has successfully tested the Agni-V missile with MIRV technology recently.

Background– China has in recent years been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean region as part of an encirclement game.

What is an Agni-V Missile?

1) Introduction-Agni-5 is an ingeniously built advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is a fire-and-forget missile, which cannot be stopped without an interceptor missile.

2) Range-The missile has the capability of hitting targets beyond the range of 5000 km.

3) Technology Used-It has incorporated Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads targeting different locations.

What are the advantages of MIRV-Equipped Missiles?

1) It can inflict multiple damage with a single strike.

2) It can penetrate missile defense systems by overwhelming them with multiple warheads.

Read more- India’s missile capability

What is the strategic significance of Agni-V Missile?

1) Enhanced nuclear deterrence– Agni-category missiles form the backbone of India’s land-based nuclear deterrence and it is at the core of the country’s deterrence in the larger context of the Sino-Indian power equation.

2) Boosting defence capabilities-India’s defence arsenal has received a significant boost with Agni-V induction.

3) Intercontinental Range Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Club– It is not strictly an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of the order possessed by the Big Five that can hit targets as far as 15,000km. However, its 5,000km (about 3106.86 mi)-plus range can bring the farthest parts of China and even some of Europe within India’s strike radius.

4) Nuclear retaliation to first strike- India’s nuclear doctrine commits to “no first use”. In this backdrop, it becomes more important to have a tougher retaliatory stance at first strike. The retaliation should be such that it inflicts maximum damage on the other side.

Question for practice

What is the strategic significance of Agni-V Missile?