New Delhi: In a significant stride towards bolstering its defense prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unveiling of the Agni-5 missile on Monday not only marks a monumental achievement but also serves as a resolute message to Beijing, while fortifying India’s stance against potential threats from Pakistan and China.
The groundbreaking announcement of the Mission Divyastra, featuring the maiden flight test of the indigenous Agni-5 missile integrated with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, reverberated across the nation. Prime Minister Modi took to the social media platform X to share this historic milestone.
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India’s successful test catapults it into an elite group, positioning it as the sixth nation globally, following the P5 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), to wield such cutting-edge capabilities with MIRV technology.
Agni-5, boasting a formidable range of 5,000-7,000 km, emerges as a linchpin in India’s strategic arsenal, particularly aimed at bolstering its nuclear deterrence against China. The successful testing of the nuclear-capable iteration of Agni-5 in November 2021 laid the groundwork for this momentous achievement. Additionally, the triumphant execution of the first night trial on 15 December 2022, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, marked a significant milestone in India’s defense trajectory.
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However, officials emphasize that the recent test transcends previous achievements. “This latest test ensures that a single missile can deploy multiple warheads at different locations. With the successful execution of Mission Divyastra, India proudly joins the esteemed league of nations equipped with MIRV capability,” asserted government officials.
Highlighting a notable aspect of the project, officials underscored the pivotal role of women, including the project director, in its realization. The substantial contribution of women underscores India’s commitment to gender inclusivity in crucial sectors.
Equipped with indigenous Avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, the Agni-5 system underscores India’s burgeoning technological acumen. This advanced capability reaffirms India’s burgeoning technological prowess on the global stage, accentuating its resilience and preparedness in safeguarding national security interests.
