Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled “Mission Divyastra,” a groundbreaking indigenous weapons system that marks a significant shift in India’s geopolitical and strategic stance, particularly in southeast Asia. The Agni-5 MIRV missile, crafted by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) over ten years, completed its maiden flight today.
This new DRDO weapon system features Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enabling a single missile to deploy multiple warheads and strike targets at various locations simultaneously. This capability, possessed by only a few nations, places India in an exclusive club, alongside the US, UK, Russia, France, and China, according to government sources.
Mission Divyastra
On Monday, India accomplished a significant milestone by testing the Agni-5 missile, which is made within the country and has the capability to carry multiple warheads. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the success of ‘Mission Divyastra.’ These Agni missiles are the brainchild of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcasing India’s progress in missile technology.
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Things to Know About Mission Divyastra
Here are five key points to understand about India’s Mission Divyastra:
- MIRV Payload: Agni-5 missiles can carry four to six nuclear warheads, each aimed at a different target. This capability, known as MIRV, is possessed by only a few countries.
- Impressive Range: With a range of up to 5,000 km, Agni-5 covers a vast area, including most of Asia and parts of Europe. This enhances India’s security by enabling precise strikes on multiple targets.
- Testing: India has conducted numerous tests of Agni-5, but this recent one was the first with MIRV capability.
- Advanced Technology: The missile system features indigenous avionics and high-accuracy sensors, ensuring the warheads hit their targets with precision.
- Female Leadership: Women have made significant contributions to the project, including a female project director, highlighting India’s commitment to gender inclusion in defense technology.
Evolution of Agni Missiles
Agni-1: Launched in 1983, Agni-1 marks the start of the Agni series. Developed by DRDO, it’s capable of carrying a 1,000 kg payload with a range of 700 km.
Agni-2: First tested in 1999, Agni-2 is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, 20 meters long, with a payload capacity of 1,000 kg. It can cover distances between 2,000 to 2,500 km and boasts an advanced navigation system.
Agni-3: Agni-3, succeeding Agni-2, extends the range to 3,500 km and can carry a 1,500 kg payload. It was integrated into the armed forces in 2011 and has a circular error probable (CEP) of around 40 meters.
Agni-4: Agni-4, launched in 2012, pushes the range further to 4,000 km. It’s 20 meters long, capable of carrying a 1,000 kg payload, and can be fired from a road-mobile launcher.
Agni-5: Agni-5, an intercontinental ballistic missile, can target beyond 5,000 km with high accuracy. It’s 17 meters tall, capable of delivering a 1.5-tonne nuclear warhead. With Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) technology, it can split warheads for precise attacks.
Agni-6: In early development stages, Agni-6 is anticipated to have a range of 9,000 to 12,000 km and carry a 3-tonne nuclear payload.
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Mission Divyastra FAQs
Q.1. What is “Mission Divyastra”?
Ans. “Mission Divyastra” is India’s indigenous weapons system, showcasing advanced missile technology, including the Agni-5 MIRV missile.
Q.2. What is MIRV technology?
Ans. MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle, enabling a single missile to deploy multiple warheads at different targets.
Q.3. How many nuclear warheads can Agni-5 carry?
Ans. Agni-5 can carry four to six nuclear warheads, enhancing India’s striking capability.
Q.4. What is the range of Agni-5?
Ans. Agni-5 covers distances up to 5,000 km, securing India by enabling precise strikes on various targets.
Q.5. Who leads the “Mission Divyastra” project?
Ans. The “Mission Divyastra” project boasts female leadership, demonstrating India’s commitment to gender inclusion in defense technology.
