India successfully tests Advanced Agni MIRV missile with multiple warheads off Odisha coast

India successfully conducted the flight trial of an Advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology from Odisha, with multiple warheads.

India successfully conducted the flight trial of an Advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology on Saturday from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile carried multiple payloads that successfully targeted different locations spread across a wide area in the Indian Ocean region.

In March 2024, India conducted its first successful MIRV test using the Agni-5 platform, under Mission Divyastra.

Sharing an update on X, DRDO announced that the Advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle) technology was successfully flight-tested on 8 May 2026 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.The missile was launched with multiple payloads, which accurately struck different targets spatially distributed over a vast area in the Indian Ocean Region. The entire flight was monitored using a network of ground-based and ship-based tracking stations, which recorded the missile’s trajectory from lift-off to the impact of all payloads.

According to DRDO, all mission objectives were successfully achieved.With this test, India has reaffirmed its capability to deliver multiple warheads to multiple independent targets using a single missile system.

The Advanced Agni missile has been indigenously developed by DRDO laboratories with active support from the Indian defence industry.The trial was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and Indian Army officials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and the industry partners on the successful test, stating that it significantly enhances the country’s defence preparedness in the face of evolving threat perceptions.

What is MIRV technology?

The Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology allows a single missile to deliver multiple warheads to independent targets, greatly complicating enemy missile defence efforts.

It significantly enhances the credibility and reach of India's nuclear and conventional deterrence.

The Agni family, particularly Agni-5 and its variants, forms the backbone of India's land-based strategic arsenal, with ranges typically exceeding 5,000 km.

This recent test demonstrates progress in indigenous guidance, re-entry vehicle technology, and multi-target engagement under realistic conditions.