Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducts Mission Divyastra

Link copied successfully!

Flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology was successfully conducted under the name Mission Divyastra.
- The test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
About MIRVs technology
- In contrast to a traditional missile which carries one warhead, MIRVs can carry multiple warheads (each capable of striking different targets independently).
- They can be launched from land or sea from a submarine.
- US was the first country to develop MIRV technology, deploying a MIRVed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 1970.
  - Russia, UK, France, and China also possess it.
  - In 2017, Pakistan reportedly tested a MIRVed missile, the Ababeel.
About Agni-5 missile
- Development of Agni missiles started in early 1980s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme by the DRDO under the leadership of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.
  - So far, 6 Variants of Agni Missiles have been developed.
- Agni-5 missile uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine and has a range of more than 5,000 km.
- Agni-5 MIRV system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages.
  - It can deliver multiple nuclear warheads against different targets spread across hundreds of kilometres.

Other Agni missiles

They are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and the mainstay of India’s nuclear delivery options.
They have a range of 700–1250 km (Agni I), 2,000–2,500 km (Agni – II), 3000- 3500 km (Agni III) and 3,000–4,000 km (Agni-IV).
Agni Prime or Agni-P is the latest missile with a range of 1000 - 2000 km.
- It is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system.
- It can be easily deployed and launched at a quicker pace.