DRDO has conducted the first flight test of Mission Divyastra with MIRV technology. India has for the first time publicly acknowledged to have successfully developed the MIRV technology that is possessed by major nuclear countries. Read here to learn more about the Mission and MIRV technology.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the first successful flight test of an indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
The flight test named Mission Divyastra was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
Various Telemetry and radar stations tracked and monitored multiple re-entry vehicles. The Mission accomplished the designed parameters.
Mission Divyastra
The successful launch of Mission Divyastra by DRDO is an important milestone in Indiaโs nuclear capability.
- This is the first flight test of an indigenously developed 5,000-km range Agni-5 nuclear missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
- It aims to deliver multiple warheads at different locations or the same location in a single launch. The warheads could include decoys to deceive the enemyโs ballistic missile program.
Agni-5 missile
Agni missiles have been in the arsenal of the Indian armed forces since the early 1990s. This latest variant of the Agni missile is equipped with MIRV technology.
- Range: The Agni-5 is capable of striking targets over 5,000 kilometers away, although some sources suggest the actual range might extend further, potentially up to 8,000 kilometers under certain configurations. This range places it firmly within the category of an ICBM.
- Payload: It is designed to carry a nuclear warhead, with a payload capacity of around 1,500 kilograms. The missile is also capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to hit several targets with a single launch.
- Propulsion: The missile features a three-stage solid-fueled engine, which contributes to its long range and reliability. The solid-fuel propulsion makes it more mobile and quicker to deploy compared to liquid-fueled missiles.
Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology
Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology is a sophisticated ballistic missile design that enables a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed to hit a different target.
- This technology represents a significant advancement in missile capability and strategic nuclear deterrence, as it allows a single missile to effectively destroy several targets simultaneously.
Key Features of MIRV Technology:
- Multiple Warheads: Unlike older ballistic missile designs that carry a single nuclear warhead, MIRV-equipped missiles can carry several warheads, each capable of striking different targets. This can include a mix of warheads intended for different purposes, such as counterforce (military targets) and countervalue (cities and civilian infrastructure) targets.
- Independent Targeting: The “independently targetable” aspect of MIRV technology means that each warhead can be directed toward a different target. After the missile reaches a certain point in its trajectory, the warheads can be individually guided to their specific targets over a broad area.
- Penetration Aids: MIRVs often include countermeasures designed to defeat missile defense systems, such as decoys or chaff that can confuse radar systems and make it difficult to intercept the incoming warheads.
- Increased Deterrence: By carrying multiple warheads, a MIRV missile greatly increases a country’s nuclear deterrent capability. Even if a few warheads are intercepted, the likelihood that several will penetrate defenses and reach their targets is much higher.
- Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Deploying missiles with MIRV technology can be more cost-effective for a country’s nuclear arsenal, as fewer missiles and launchers are needed to maintain a credible deterrent force.
Strategic Implications
MIRV technology has significant strategic implications for global security and nuclear deterrence policies.
- It complicates arms control efforts because it increases the number of warheads that can be delivered, making it harder to track and limit the total number of nuclear weapons.
- The deployment of MIRVs can lead to arms races, as adversaries may feel compelled to increase their own arsenals to maintain parity or counteract the threat.
Countries with MIRV technology
During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union developed and deployed MIRV technology as part of their strategic nuclear forces.
- The introduction of MIRVs was a pivotal moment in nuclear strategy, leading to various arms control agreements, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), aimed at controlling and reducing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
Other countries with the technology are:
- China: China has been modernizing its nuclear forces and is known to have deployed MIRV technology on missiles like the DF-41 (Dong Feng-41) ICBM. This development is part of China’s efforts to ensure the credibility of its nuclear deterrent.
- France: France possesses MIRV technology, which is deployed on its SLBMs like the M51 missile, carried by its Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines. This capability enhances the strategic deterrent posture of France.
- United Kingdom: The UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent is based on Trident II (D5) SLBMs, which are equipped with MIRV technology. These missiles are deployed on the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines.
- Pakistan is also on the path of developing MIRV as it launched the Ababeel medium-range ballistic missile.
Conclusion
In the modern era, MIRV technology remains a crucial component of the strategic nuclear forces of several countries, underscoring the ongoing importance of nuclear deterrence and the complex challenges associated with nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
India has joined a select group of countries that have the MIRV technology. The Mission Divyastra test means India has managed to ace the technology for miniature warheads.
The development and deployment of the Agni-5 are crucial for India’s strategic autonomy and its position as a regional and emerging global power. It contributes to the credibility of India’s “No First Use” nuclear policy by enhancing its second-strike capability. The Agni-5’s development reflects India’s advancements in missile technology and its ability to independently develop sophisticated strategic weapons systems.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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