1 missile, many targets in single launch: India successfully tests Advanced Agni

India has carried out a major strategic missile test capable of striking multiple targets with a single launch, strengthening its defence posture amid growing regional and global security concerns.

In Short

• Missile deployed multiple warheads targeting different locations in Indian Ocean
• Test confirms India's ability to launch multiple warheads from single missile
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the test as a major defence boost

India on Friday successfully carried out the flight trial of an Advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, marking a major leap in the country’s strategic strike capability.

The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on May 8, with the missile deploying multiple payloads aimed at different targets spread across a vast area in the Indian Ocean Region.

The successful trial places India among a select group of nations capable of deploying multiple warheads through a single missile system.

MULTIPLE TARGETS WITH A SINGLE MISSILE

According to the Defence Ministry, the missile was tested with multiple payloads designed to strike separate targets simultaneously.

The MIRV system allows a single missile to carry and release multiple warheads, each capable of hitting different locations independently.

Authoritative sources said the missile tested was an Agni-5 variant and the trial was conducted to validate MIRV capability under ‘Mission Divyastra’.

India had earlier conducted the maiden MIRV-enabled Agni-5 test in March last year.

TRACKING SYSTEMS MONITORED ENTIRE TRAJECTORY

The ministry said the missile’s entire flight path was monitored through a network of ground-based and ship-based tracking systems.

“These systems tracked the entire missile trajectory from lift-off to the impact of all payloads. Flight data confirmed that all mission objectives were met during the trial,” the ministry said.

Senior DRDO scientists and Indian Army personnel witnessed the launch and validation exercise.

The missile has been developed by DRDO laboratories with support from domestic industries.

RAJNATH SINGH HAILS SUCCESSFUL TEST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and industry partners following the successful trial.

“This will add an incredible capability to the country's defence preparedness against the growing threat perceptions,” he said.

The Agni-5 missile has a strike range of up to 5,000 kilometres, making it one of India’s most powerful strategic weapons systems.

The Agni series forms the backbone of India’s strategic missile arsenal. While Agni-1 to Agni-4 missiles have ranges between 700 km and 3,500 km and are already operational, the Agni-5 significantly extends India’s reach.

INDIA EXPANDING BALLISTIC MISSILE CAPABILITIES

The successful MIRV trial comes as India continues to expand its missile defence and strategic deterrence capabilities.

In April 2024, India successfully tested an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a naval platform in the Bay of Bengal as part of its ballistic missile defence programme.

That test was aimed at developing the capability to intercept and destroy hostile ballistic missile threats, both within and beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

With the latest Advanced Agni missile test, India has further strengthened its position in the global strategic defence landscape.

- Ends