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Source-This post on Mission Divyastra: Agni-V Missile with MIRV technology is based on the article “India test-fires Agni-V ballistic missile with multiple warhead technology under Mission Divyastra” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2024.
Why in the News?
India recently conducted a test of the Agni-V ballistic missile with MIRV technology. The test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of Mission Divyastra.
| Mission Divyastra Mission Divyastra is the first test flight of India’s indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, led by the DRDO. |
What are Agni missiles?
About– Agni missiles are long-range ballistic missiles designed for surface-to-surface attacks and capable of carrying nuclear payloads.
First Variant-The first missile in the series, Agni-I, was developed as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and tested in 1989.
Designated as a special Program:
a. After its success, the Agni missile program became independent from the IGMDP due to its strategic significance.
b. It was designated as a special program in India’s defense budget and received sufficient funds for further development.
Agni missiles variants and range
About Agni V missile
About– Agni-V is India’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Range– The range of Agni-V extends beyond 5,000 kilometers and can reach most parts of China.
Propulsion– It’s a three-stage missile powered by solid fuel. Using composite motor casing in the second and third stages makes it lighter, improving both its range and payload capacity.
Latest variant with MIRV tech– The missile latest variant features MIRV technology, which was developed over five decades ago and is possessed by only a few countries.
What is MIRV technology?
Full form– MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.
About– It is a missile technology that enables one missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of hitting different targets.
Other Countries equipped with this technology– Currently, the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom possess MIRV-equipped missiles. These missiles can be launched from either land-based platforms or submarines at sea.
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