Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in an X post praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The MIRV technology gives the capability to the warhead to split into multiple re-entry vehicles to deliver a precise and targetted attack. A single missile would, therefore, be capable of delivering multiple warheads.
The Agni-5 missile, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 5,500 to 5,800 kilometres, marks a pivotal enhancement in India's strategic defence arsenal. This development is particularly significant as it aims to bolster India's nuclear deterrence, especially against potential threats from the eastern frontiers. With the latest test, India has officially entered the exclusive league of nations possessing Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capIndia carried out a similar test of the missile in October last year as well.In June, India successfully carried out a night launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile, in a boost to India's military capabilities.