'Divya Putri' Sheena Rani: Meet the Brain Behind India's Agni-V with MIRV Technology

Defense News ,India :-  India has achieved a big success in its defense capabilities with a recent test of the Agni-5 missile, which comes with advanced technology. The key person leading this important project is R Sheena Rani, affectionately known as 'Divya Putri' (Divine Daughter) for her crucial role in developing this missile system.

A Pioneer in Missile Technology

Rani, a 57-year-old expert in missiles, is the program director at the Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). Her journey in missile technology began in 1999 after she joined DRDO following the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Since then, she has been an important part of the Agni missile program, contributing significantly to its different versions.

“When we prepared for the launch, there were butterflies in my stomach. But I never expected the excitement among the common public,” said Rani, who is an electronics and communications engineer. This was during India's first test-fire of Agni-5 on April 19, 2012.

A Career of Commitment

Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Rani's life was shaped by the early loss of her father when she was in class 10. Raised by her mother, she credits her as the real pillar of support in her life. Rani pursued her engineering at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) and later worked at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for eight years before joining DRDO.

“My mother is the real pillar of support in my and my sister’s life,” said the scientist.

Protecting India's Borders

Rani's dedication and leadership have played a vital role in developing the Agni-5 missile with multiple nuclear warheads. Her work not only protects India's borders but also enhances the nation's standing in the global defense arena. Her crowning achievement, the MIRV technology, allows a single missile to deploy multiple warheads, significantly improving India's strategic deterrence capabilities.

Inspirations Along the Way

Rani draws inspiration from India's 'Missile Man' and former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who played a pivotal role in shaping her career. She also acknowledges the guidance and mentorship of Dr Avinash Chander, a renowned missile technologist. Her husband, P S R S Sastry, who also worked with DRDO on missiles, has been a source of support and inspiration in her journey.

During her time at DRDO, Rani has won several awards, including the “scientist of the year award” in 2016.

India's Technological Progress

India's successful test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology puts it among the elite nations, including the US, UK, Russia, France, and China, with similar capabilities. This achievement highlights India's expertise in missile technology and its commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.

The successful test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology is a significant step forward for India's defense capabilities. Rani's continued leadership and the DRDO's innovative efforts in missile technology are crucial for India's national security and strategic interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Praise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the efforts of the DRDO scientists who participated in the complex mission. In a post on the social media platform X, he said, "Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology."

An MIRV payload involves a single missile carrying several nuclear warheads, each programmed to hit a separate target. This capability allows India to target adversaries in the east and west within a 5,000-plus km radius. To make this effective, the system is also equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, ensuring that the re-entry vehicles accurately reach the target points, according to sources.