SOURCE: AFI
India has embarked on the preliminary development of a conventional variant of its Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), featuring a massive 7.5-tonne warhead, according to recent reports. This ambitious project marks a significant step in expanding the strategic and tactical flexibility of India’s missile arsenal, adapting the nuclear-capable Agni-V platform for conventional warfare. The development underscores India’s growing focus on precision and high-impact conventional strike capabilities to address evolving regional security challenges.
The conventional Agni-V variant is likely to see a reduced range compared to its nuclear counterpart, which boasts a range of over 5,000 km. Reports indicate the range of the new variant will be limited to 2,000–2,500 km due to the significantly heavier 7.5-tonne warhead. This trade-off reflects a deliberate design choice to prioritize payload capacity over distance, aligning with India’s strategic need for high-impact strikes within its immediate geopolitical region, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
The Agni-V, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile known for its advanced navigation and accuracy. The conventional variant is expected to retain these attributes, incorporating precision-guidance systems to ensure effective targeting, even with the increased warhead weight.
The development of a conventional Agni-V variant signals India’s intent to diversify its missile capabilities beyond nuclear deterrence. By adapting the Agni-V for conventional roles, India aims to enhance its ability to conduct rapid, high-impact strikes against a range of targets, from surface installations to deeply buried facilities. This capability is particularly relevant in the context of regional tensions, where adversaries may rely on fortified infrastructure to protect strategic assets.
The reduced range of 2,000–2,500 km still provides significant operational flexibility, covering key areas of interest in India’s strategic neighborhood. The missile’s ability to deliver massive warheads with precision could serve as a powerful deterrent against conventional threats, complementing India’s nuclear arsenal.
Two Specialized Warhead Variants
The conventional Agni-V is expected to be equipped with two distinct warhead configurations, each designed for specific mission profiles:
- Airburst Warhead: This variant is intended to maximize damage to ground installations over a large surface area. The airburst warhead would detonate above the target, unleashing a powerful shockwave to destroy infrastructure, military installations, and other surface assets. This capability enhances India’s ability to neutralize dispersed or fortified targets, such as airfields, command centers, or logistics hubs.
- Bunker Buster Warhead: Designed for deep-penetration strikes, this warhead is capable of targeting heavily fortified underground structures, such as bunkers or command facilities, buried 80–100 meters deep. The bunker buster variant would enable India to counter adversaries’ hardened and concealed assets, a critical capability in modern warfare scenarios.
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