Why in the News?
India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).
What are Ballistic Missiles?
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About Agni-5:
- Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
- Range: 5,000–5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
- Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
- Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
- Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
- First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
- Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-à -vis China.
Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development
- Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
- Variants:
- Agni-I: 700–1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
- Agni-II: 2,000–3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
- Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
- Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
- Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
- Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000–2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
- Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000–10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
- Significance: Backbone of India’s nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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