India Successfully Tests Agni-5 Missile with MIRV Technology ,What's MIRV Tech? How is it unique?

Defense News ,India :-  Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the first flight test of Made-in-India Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. MIRVs consist of several reentry vehicles, each equipped to carry 2–10 nuclear warheads. These warheads can be designated for various targets, spaced hundreds of kilometers apart. Alternatively, multiple warheads can target a single location.

PM hailed DRDO scientists for developing this technology. "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," PM Modi announced on X.

What's MIRV Technology?

A MIRV is a ballistic missile payload designed for exoatmospheric deployment, housing multiple warheads, each capable of targeting distinct objectives. While primarily associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with thermonuclear warheads, the concept extends beyond strict limitations. An intermediate variant, the Multiple Reentry Vehicle (MRV) missile, disperses multiple warheads without individual targeting.

What are the benefits of MIRV?

Deployment of MIRV can enhance first-strike proficiency for strategic forces and also provide greater target damage for a given thermonuclear weapon payload.

Mission Divyastra: PM Modi congratulates DRDO for 1st flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile through MIRV tech

Moreover, as it can release multiple warheads, it serves the purpose of a cluster munition, as it reduces the number of missiles and launch facilities required.

With the MIRV, the effectiveness of an anti-ballistic missile system that relies on intercepting individual warheads is also reduced.

Who has MIRV?

While India is now a part of the elite club, the countries which boast to possess MIRV include:

USA, UK and France- have MIRV technology on their Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).

China- has MIRVed on Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

Russia- has both MIRVed ICBMs and SLBMs.

Pakistan is also believed to be experimenting with MIRV technology.

Whats' Agni V Missiles?

Jointly developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics, the Agni-V stands as a testament to India's technological prowess in the field of missile development.

Key Features of Agni-V

Weighing close to 50,000 kilograms and standing at 1.75 meters tall with a diameter of two meters, the Agni-V boasts impressive specifications. It carries a formidable 1,500-kilogram warhead atop three-stage rocket boosters powered by solid fuel. The missile can clock at 24 times faster than the speed of sound, reaching a staggering 8.16 km per second or 29,401 km per hour. Equipped with advanced navigation systems including a ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system (NavIC) and satellite guidance, the missile ensures precise targeting capabilities, further enhanced by its launch flexibility from mobile launchers.

Agni-V Trajectory and Thermal Resilience

The Agni-V's trajectory showcases its sophisticated design, as it maneuvers towards its target with precision even after reaching the peak of its trajectory. As it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, temperatures soar beyond 4,000 degrees Celsius. Yet, the missile's indigenously developed heat shield maintains internal temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius, ensuring operational integrity.

Can Agni-V Cover Entire China: Range and Testing

With a range extending across Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa, the Agni-V significantly bolsters India's strategic capabilities. Having undergone seven successful trials, the missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, has attracted attention from global players, particularly China. India's relentless testing regime underscores its commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities.

The Agni-V adds to India's existing arsenal of the Agni missile series, enhancing its deterrence capabilities. With missiles ranging from Agni-I to Agni-IV, India joins an elite league of nations possessing intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, including the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain.