SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark revelation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed that the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology under Mission Divyastra in March 2024, is capable of carrying four nuclear payloads, each targeting a distinct location.
This announcement, made in early 2025, puts an end to months of speculation among defence analysts about the missile’s warhead capacity and underscores India’s growing prowess in strategic missile technology. The integration of MIRV into the Agni-5 not only bolsters India’s deterrence posture but also elevates its ability to address multifaceted threats in an increasingly volatile region.
The Agni-5, a cornerstone of India’s strategic arsenal, was successfully tested with MIRV technology on March 11, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast. Dubbed Mission Divyastra—aptly named after the divine weapon in Indian mythology—the test marked India’s entry into an elite club of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, and France, with operational MIRV capabilities. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles that deliver a single warhead, MIRV technology allows a missile to release multiple warheads mid-flight, each independently guided to a separate target.
Post-test, speculation swirled about the number of warheads the Agni-5 MIRV could carry, with estimates ranging from two to six based on its payload capacity and re-entry vehicle design. DRDO’s confirmation of four nuclear payloads settles the debate, offering clarity on the missile’s operational potential and strategic intent.
The Agni-5, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers (with some estimates suggesting up to 8,000 km), is powered by a three-stage solid-fuel engine. The addition of MIRV technology enhances its lethality by enabling a single launch to strike multiple targets hundreds of kilometers apart. DRDO’s disclosure reveals that the missile’s payload bus—essentially the upper stage that dispenses warheads—can deploy four re-entry vehicles, each carrying a nuclear warhead estimated at 150-300 kilotons, though exact yields remain classified.
The MIRV system incorporates advanced indigenous technologies, including miniaturized warheads, precision guidance systems, and decoys to confuse missile defences. During the 2024 test, telemetry and radar stations tracked the four warheads as they maneuvered through the atmosphere, accurately striking pre-designated targets in the Bay of Bengal. This demonstrated not only the missile’s range and accuracy but also DRDO’s mastery over complex re-entry dynamics and warhead separation—a feat requiring sophisticated avionics and propulsion control.
Since the Mission Divyastra test, analysts debated the Agni-5’s MIRV capacity based on its 1,500-2,000 kg payload and comparisons with global systems. Russia’s RS-24 Yars carries up to six warheads, while China’s DF-41 is estimated at 10. Initial guesses for Agni-5 ranged conservatively at two to three, reflecting India’s gradual approach to miniaturization. Others speculated higher, citing the missile’s robust design. DRDO’s confirmation of four warheads strikes a balance—ambitious yet achievable—reflecting technological maturity and strategic pragmatism.
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