India has marked a significant achievement in its defence sector with the successful testing of its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Agni V. The test was conducted from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, in Odisha. This landmark achievement holds great strategic importance for India’s long-range missile capabilities and the development of indigenously produced weapons.
About Agni-V
Agni-V carries the distinction of being India’s most technologically advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile. It measures 17-meters tall and is capable of transporting a nuclear warhead weighing approximately 1.5 tonnes. Its strike range extends up to 5,000 km, making it a potent weapon in India’s defense arsenal.
Moreover, Agni-V utilises a “fire and forget” technology, meaning that once launched, the missile cannot be stopped except by an interceptor missile. This launch added to the tally of successful launches for Agni-V, marking it the fifth time that the missile was launched in a canisterised form and the third successful launch within the same year (2018).
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
The development of Agni-V falls under the purview of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This program, conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was initiated with the aim of enabling India to achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology. Approved by the Government of India in 1983, the program concluded successfully in March 2012.
| Missile | Type |
|---|---|
| Prithvi | Short range surface to surface ballistic missile |
| Agni | Ballistic missiles with different ranges |
| Trishul | Short range low level surface to air missile |
| Nag | 3rd generation anti-tank missile |
| Akash | Medium range surface to air missile |
India’s Nuclear Command Authority and Agni-V’s Launch
The launch of Agni-V was conducted and supervised by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), a part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). Formed in 2003, NCA is tasked with the control, command, and operational decision-making regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme.
The Canister Based Launch System
Agni-V employs a canister-based launch system, which serves various functions such as a container for transportation, a storage unit on a ship, and operational flexibility. This system leverages a “cold launch” mechanism, wherein the missile is expelled using gas produced outside the missile body before its ignition. This is safer than the “hot launch” method, where the missile ignites within the cell, as a cold launch can ensure the missile’s ejection even if there is a failure.
Mastering Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle Technology
In addition to the Agni-V milestone, India is also striving to master the Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. Considered as India’s solution for Minimum Nuclear Deterrence, MIRV technology allows a single ballistic missile to carry several warheads which can be directed towards multiple targets. This functionality imbues it with an unprecedented degree of flexibility and strategic advantage.
