According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully conducted the first flight test of a domestically developed missile equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology. This milestone marks a significant advancement in India's nuclear-capable Agni missile series, which has been under development since 1983.
The MIRV technology allows for delivering multiple warheads to different targets from a single missile platform. The tested missile, known as Agni-V, has a range of 5,000 km (3,100 miles), positioning it as India's primary contender in the long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) category.
Modi expressed pride in the successful launch of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, highlighting India's technological prowess on social media platforms.
India now joins a select group of nations capable of deploying MIRV technology, a list that includes the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. Pakistan previously tested MIRV technology in 2017, according to reports from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.
The Agni-V missile was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcasing the country's growing military research capabilities.
India's pursuit of advanced missile systems dates back to the 1990s, with a particular focus on medium and long-range systems. This focus has intensified in recent years, driven in part by growing competition with neighboring China.
In addition to the Agni-V, India successfully tested the Agni-VI intercontinental ballistic missile in 2021, further enhancing its strategic capabilities. The Agni-VI is believed to have the range to target most regions of China, reflecting India's strategic posture.
India's defense collaboration with Western countries, including its participation in the Quad alliance with the United States, Japan, and Australia, has further strengthened its position in the global defense landscape.
Overall, India's advancements in missile technology underscore its commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities in the face of evolving regional security challenges.