Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful maiden flight test of India’s Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This advancement strengthens India’s strategic deterrence capability significantly.
Mission Divyastra: Code Name and Significance
The test was named “Mission Divyastra,” symbolizing a milestone in India’s defense capabilities. This achievement elevates India into an elite league of nations possessing MIRV missile systems, including the US, UK, France, Russia, and China.
Test Execution and Monitoring
The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. Multiple telemetry and radar stations tracked and monitored the re-entry vehicles successfully. The missile’s trajectory was monitored by the INS Dhruv missile tracker, with top officials from DRDO and NSCS in attendance.
Agni-5 Missile Features and Capabilities
The Agni-5 missile utilizes a three-stage solid-fuel engine and boasts a range exceeding 5,000km. Its MIRV system enhances destructive potential by allowing multiple warheads to be delivered against various targets spread over hundreds of kilometers.
Technological Advancements and Key Personnel
Equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, the Agni-5 MIRV system demonstrates India’s technological prowess. Notably, the project was led by women scientists of DRDO, emphasizing India’s commitment to gender inclusion and technological advancement.
Political and Strategic Implications
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s new capability on social media, underscoring the significance of the achievement. The development of MIRV technology aligns with India’s nuclear doctrine, emphasizing a “no first use” posture and retaliatory measures against nuclear threats.
Geostrategic Concerns and Surveillance
The timing of the test coincided with the presence of Chinese research vessels in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns about surveillance activities. China’s increasing maritime research in the region underscores the growing geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean.
Diplomatic Response and Cooperation
India, along with the US and other Quad members, has raised concerns over Chinese vessels’ activities with Sri Lanka. This collaborative effort led to a moratorium on foreign vessel visits, reflecting diplomatic efforts to safeguard regional security interests.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the significance of India’s Agni-5 missile test?
- A) It marks the first successful test of an indigenous missile.
- B) It demonstrates India’s advancement in MIRV technology.
- C) It signifies India’s entry into space exploration.
- D) It showcases India’s naval capabilities.
- Answer: B) It demonstrates India’s advancement in MIRV technology.
- What was the code name given to the Agni-5 missile test?
- A) Operation Shakti
- B) Project Bharat
- C) Mission Divyastra
- D) Operation Agni
- Answer: C) Mission Divyastra
- Where was the test conducted?
- A) Rajasthan
- B) Maharashtra
- C) Odisha
- D) Tamil Nadu
- Answer: C) Odisha
- What is the main feature of the Agni-5 missile?
- A) It uses a liquid-fueled engine.
- B) It has a range of less than 2,000km.
- C) It is equipped with MIRV technology.
- D) It is designed for short-range combat.
- Answer: C) It is equipped with MIRV technology.
- Who chairs India’s Nuclear Command Authority’s political council?
- A) Defence Minister
- B) Prime Minister
- C) National Security Advisor
- D) Chief of Defence Staff
- Answer: B) Prime Minister