Reference:

• India successfully tested its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

Key Points:

• Test: Conducted under the supervision of Strategic Forces Command by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The missile met all operational and technical parameters, significantly enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.

Strike Capability and Range:

• Strike Range: Over 5,000 km, placing it in the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) category.
• Covers the whole of Asia, northern regions of China, parts of Europe, and some regions of Africa.

MIRV Technology:

• Agni-5 employs Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• This enables a single missile to strike multiple targets with different warheads simultaneously.
• MIRV was first developed by the US in 1970, and India now joins a select group of countries (USA, Russia, China, France, UK) possessing this technology.
• Provides India the capability to target multiple locations, including command centers, weapon depots, or bunkers, in a single launch.

Propulsion and Speed:

• Three-stage solid-fuel propulsion system enables rapid launch and high reliability.
• Speed: Mach 24 (~8.16 km/sec), allowing near-instant target reach.

Canister Launch System:

• Canister-based launch allows easy transportation by road or rail and launch from any location.
• Enhances deployment flexibility and stealth.

Navigation and Accuracy:

• Advanced navigation and guidance system, including ring laser gyroscope and GPS/INS (Inertial Navigation System), ensures precise targeting.
• Radar, telemetry stations, and sea-based ships collected real-time data during the test to validate accuracy.

Payload Capacity:

• Agni-5 can carry up to 1.5 tons, including nuclear and conventional warheads.
• DRDO is developing a non-nuclear variant for the Air Force.
• Can carry heavy warheads (~8 tons) capable of airburst or destroying runways and radar systems.

Strategic Importance:

• Minimum Credible Deterrence: Supports India’s ‘No First Use’ policy, ensuring nuclear weapons are used solely for self-defense.
• Regional Power Balance: Covers Pakistan, China, and neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan).
• Specifically targets northern Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong) and military installations in Tibet.
• Pakistan has expressed concerns; Strategic Vision Institute (SVR), Islamabad, called it a “warning bell” for Pakistan.
• Strengthens India’s regional strategic position, especially against China’s DF-21 missiles deployed from Tibet.

Global Status:

• With Agni-5’s successful test, India joins six countries (USA, Russia, China, France, UK, India) with ICBM capabilities.
• Enhances India’s strategic autonomy and global power balance role.

Bunker-Buster Capability:

• Agni-5 can be upgraded in the future with bunker-buster capability to destroy deep bunkers and command centers.
• Critical for underground installations along Pakistan and China’s borders.

Future Prospects:

• Range Expansion: DRDO plans to extend Agni-5’s range to 8,000 km, potentially targeting the USA and other continents.
• Non-Nuclear Air Force Variant: DRDO developing a non-nuclear version to target runways, radar, and other military installations.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM):

• Long-range ballistic missile capable of delivering nuclear or conventional warheads beyond 5,500 km.

Features:

1. Range: Minimum 5,500 km, capable of targeting across continents. Modern ICBMs can reach 10,000–15,000 km.
2. Propulsion: Solid or liquid-fuel systems. Solid fuel offers reliability and quick launch.
3. Payload: Single or MIRV-enabled multiple warheads.
4. Speed: Mach 20–25 (~24,000–30,000 km/h), difficult to intercept.
5. Navigation: Advanced INS, GPS, and ring laser gyroscope for precise targeting.
6. Launch Platforms: Silo, mobile launcher (truck/rail), or submarine.

Operation:

• Launch Stage → Boost Stage → Mid-Flight Stage → Re-entry Stage → Terminal Stage for accurate strike.

Strategic Significance:

• Deterrence: Basis of credible minimum deterrence.
• Power Balance: Important for regional and global strategic stability.
• MIRV Capability: Challenges missile defense systems.
• Strategic Flexibility: Mobile/canister launch enables rapid and covert deployment.

Countries with ICBM Capability:

• USA: Minuteman III, Trident II (submarine-based)
• Russia: RS-28 Sarmat, Topol-M
• China: DF-41, DF-31
• India: Agni-5 (5,000+ km range, MIRV-enabled)
• France: M51 (submarine-based)
• North Korea: Hwasong-15 (experimental)
• UK: Trident II (in cooperation with USA)

Agni Missile Family

• Developed by DRDO; name ‘Agni’ means ‘fire’ in Sanskrit.
• Core of India’s strategic and nuclear deterrence.

Key Variants:

• Agni-I: SRBM, 700–1,200 km, payload ~1,000 kg, solid fuel, operational
• Agni-II: MRBM, 2,000–3,000 km, payload ~1,000 kg, solid fuel, operational
• Agni-III: IRBM, 3,000–5,000 km, payload ~1,500 kg, two-stage solid fuel, operational
• Agni-IV: IRBM, 3,500–4,000 km, payload 800–1,000 kg, advanced navigation, MIRV potential
• Agni-V: ICBM, 5,000–5,500 km (future 7,500–8,000 km), payload ~1,500 kg, MIRV-enabled, canister-based, tested 20 Aug 2025
• Agni-VI: ICBM, projected 8,000–12,000 km, MIRV, non-nuclear option, under development
• Agni-P: Advanced, 1,000–2,000 km, MIRV-enabled, test phase

Development & Testing:

• Agni-I development began in 1989, operational in 1990s.
• Recent Agni-V test on 20 Aug 2025 at Chandipur, Odisha, demonstrated MIRV and advanced technologies.
• Regular tests at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, and Abdul Kalam Island.

Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM):

• Range: 3,000–5,500 km, capable of nuclear or conventional warheads.
• Propulsion: Solid/liquid fuel.
• Payload: 500–2,000 kg, nuclear (10–200 kt) or conventional, some with MIRV.
• Speed: Mach 10–20 (~12,000–24,000 km/h).
• Navigation: INS, ring laser gyroscope, GPS.
• Launch Platforms: Silo, mobile launcher, canister.

Operation:

• Launch → Boost → Mid-flight → Re-entry → Terminal for precise strike

IRBM Examples by Country:

• India: Agni-III (3,000–5,000 km), Agni-IV (3,500–4,000 km)
• China: DF-21 (3,000–4,000 km), DF-26 (3,000–5,000 km, MIRV-enabled)
• Russia: RS-26 Rubezh (5,800 km, IRBM/ICBM border)
• North Korea: Hwasong-12 (3,700–4,500 km)
• Israel (estimated): Jericho II (3,500 km, solid fuel, nuclear-capable)