In a significant development, India has marked its presence among the elite group of nations with the capability to deploy Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) through the successful flight test of an Agni V ballistic missile. This advancement not only showcases India’s growing technological prowess but also alters the strategic military balance, particularly in the context of India’s defense capabilities against its adversaries.
Mission Divyastra: A Leap in Ballistic Missile Technology
- Successful Flight Test: On March 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful test of an Agni V ballistic missile equipped with MIRV technology, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under ‘Mission Divyastra’.
- Strategic Milestone: This achievement places India in a select group of nations capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads with a single missile, enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities.
Understanding MIRVs: The Game Changer in Ballistic Missiles
- Definition and Significance: MIRVs are advanced missile systems that allow a single missile to carry and deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets. This “missile bus” technology significantly increases the missile’s effectiveness and strategic value.
- Historical Context and Global Scenario: Initially deployed by the U.S. in the 1970s, MIRV technology has since been developed and deployed by several other countries, including the Soviet Union, China, the UK, and France, each enhancing their strategic missile capabilities.
Mission Divyastra Test: An Inside Look
- Test Execution and Tracking: The DRDO conducted the test from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, closely monitored by various telemetry and radar stations to ensure precision.
- Indigenous Contributions: The test featured indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensors, highlighting India’s self-reliance in critical defense technologies. Notably, the project saw significant contributions from women, including its project director.
Strategic Implications of India’s MIRV Capabilities
- Nuclear Deterrence and Defense: Agni V’s MIRV technology enhances India’s strategic leverage, particularly against China, by enabling precise delivery of multiple warheads over distances exceeding 5,000 km.
- Policy and Doctrine: This technological advancement supports India’s nuclear doctrine of ‘no first use’ and the goal of maintaining a minimum credible deterrence through a robust nuclear triad.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
- Further Testing and Development: While the maiden test of MIRV technology on Agni V represents a significant milestone, additional tests are planned to validate the system’s components and readiness for serial production.
- Regional Dynamics: The introduction of MIRV technology in India’s arsenal is likely to impact the strategic calculations of neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, amid the longstanding triangular contest for regional dominance.
Source: With Agni V test, India makes the MIRV leap (The Hindu, March 17, 2024)