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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced the successful test-firing of Agni-5 ballistic missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Mission Divyastra.
The flight test was carried out from Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
This is considered a major technological breakthrough.
Agni-5 missile
The Agni-V is a formidable nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile developed by the DRDO of India.
Here's a summary of its key features:
Range: Over 7,000 kilometers (with estimates reaching up to 8,000 km)
Propulsion: Three-stage solid-fueled motor with composite casing in the second and third stages.
Mobility: Road-mobile launcher, enabling launch from various locations.
Storage: Canisterized, offering protection and ease of transportation.
Guidance:
Primary: Ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system (RLG-INS) for precise targeting.
Optional: GPS/NavIC satellite guidance for further accuracy.
Warhead: Capable of carrying a nuclear payload.
Potential future development: Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) technology, allowing a single missile to carry multiple warheads and strike different targets.
What is Multiple re-entry vehicle technology?
Multiple Re-entry Vehicle technology equips a ballistic missile with the capability to carry and deploy multiple warheads. Here's a breakdown:
Function: Enables a single missile to strike multiple targets simultaneously.
Deployment:
MIRV : Most advanced version. Each warhead in a MIRV can be individually targeted to hit distinct locations.
MRV (Multiple Re-entry Vehicle): Less complex. Carries multiple warheads that disperse but cannot be independently aimed, creating a concentrated area of attack.
Strategic Significance:
Increased Destructive Potential: Significantly amplifies the offensive power of a single missile launch.
Challenges Missile Defense Systems: Multiple warheads complicate defense strategies as they require interception of numerous incoming threats.
It's crucial to remember that MIRV technology is primarily associated with Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) carrying nuclear warheads, raising global security concerns.
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