Agni-5 test allows India to deploy MIRV-equipped sub-launched ballistic missiles

Following the news that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted first successful flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology, Tushar Mangure, Defence Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: “India is now among the very few nations in the world with a MIRV warhead-equipped ballistic missile system. Currently, the US, the UK, Russia, France, and China have operationally deployed ballistic missiles with MIRV capability. As a next step in modernising its missile arsenal, India will likely deploy MIRV technology in its K-5 and K-6 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) onboard the Arihant-class and the upcoming S5-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Indian Navy, which will also significantly enhance the country’s sea-based deterrence. This is particularly relevant for India, as it is trying to counter potential aggression from a stronger regional rival, China. “GlobalData’s report Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market Forecast 2023-2033 reveals that the global cumulative spending on strategic land-attack missiles is estimated to be about $71.2 billion between 2023 and 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%. India is expected to account for 15% of this expenditure owing to the aggressive modernization of ballistic missile inventory and the induction of the new SSBNs in its fleet. With four Arihant-class and three S5-class SSBNs, India is anticipated to deploy around 60 to 72 SLBMs with MIRVs by the next decade. The Agni Prime, Agni-4, Agni-5, and Agni-6 missiles will constitute most of the land-based strategic missile arsenal. These next-gen missiles feature enhanced guidance systems, better propellants, lightweight materials, and canisterisation for faster deployment. They are anticipated to replace the in-service ballistic missiles, including the Prithvi, Agni-1, and Agni-2. “The MIRV-equipped Agni-5 missiles will carry multiple warheads, each capable of striking different targets with high precision. The MIRVs can also overwhelm the missile defense systems or deceive them using decoys, thereby making it challenging for the adversaries to intercept all the incoming warheads. In recent years, India has witnessed altercations with both its nuclear-armed neighbours, China and Pakistan. The deployment of missiles like Agni-5 will certainly improve India’s deterrence but may also lead to a regional nuclear arms race, putting over 3 billion people under the threat of potential nuclear fallout.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]