Why in the news? 

• The Agni-5 ballistic missile test dubbed the “Divyastra”, that was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is strategically consequential

Context:

• With a range of over 5,000 kilometers, the Agni-5 is the longest-range missile India has tested so far. But it is not simply its range but, equally, its potency that represents a watershed moment for India’s nuclear deterrent.
• The potency of India’s nuclear deterrent is enhanced because this variant is integrated with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).

What are MIRVs?

MIRVs- A MIRV is a ‘missile bus’ whose passengers are nuclear bombs and which facilitates a single booster to deliver them to different targets. It means  MIRV can target multiple targets that can be hundreds of kilometers apart with a single missile.

Background:

• In 1970, the U.S. started to deploy the Minuteman III, the first MIRV-ed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with three warheads on each missile. In 1971, it deployed the Poseidon, the first MIRV-ed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) which had the capability of carrying up to 10 warheads on each missile
• The Soviet Union followed the U.S. and by the 1970s developed its own MIRV-ed ICBM and SLBM technology.
• China has developed and deployed MIRV technology with multiple warheads placed on its DF-5B ICBMs
• France and the United Kingdom are known to have MIRV-equipped missiles.

Why MIRV technology is so lethal? 

Unlike conventional missiles that deploy a single warhead, MIRV-equipped missiles can release multiple warheads from the missile at varying speeds and trajectories.

A comparison with China-

• India’s Late Entry: While MIRV technology is not new globally, India’s development of MIRV-capable ballistic missiles marks its entry into a select group of nations possessing such capabilities, including the established nuclear powers like the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.
• Potential for Damage Limitation: MIRV-tipped missiles are crucial for striking multiple targets simultaneously and evading ballistic missile defenses. China’s advancements in ballistic missile defenses, such as the HQ-19 interceptors, pose a challenge, although their efficacy against India’s Agni series missiles, especially the Agni-5, still needs to be improved.
• Need for Further Testing: While integrating MIRV technology into the Agni-5 is a significant step, continued testing and refinement will be necessary to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of India’s nuclear ballistic missile arsenal. The Indian armed services are likely to seek multiple tests to ensure reliability and readiness.

The complications against the development of MIRV-capable ballistic missiles include:

• Nuclear Warhead Miniaturization: Achieving miniaturization of nuclear warheads is a demanding technical requirement for MIRV-capable missiles. Inadequate nuclear testing by India has compromised the extent to which warheads could be miniaturized for MIRV applications.
• Receptacle Weight Reduction: The receptacle that carries the warhead or re-entry vehicle must be of low weight or mass before release from the Post Boost Vehicle (PBV). This requirement adds complexity to the design and engineering of the missile system.
• Precision Configuration: Re-entry vehicles must be precisely configured to fit into the missile and separate from the PBV, which needs to be manoeuvrable. This necessitates meticulous design and testing to ensure proper functionality.
• Guidance and Accuracy: Guidance and accuracy are essential for MIRV-capable missiles, as re-entry vehicles must be spin-stabilized during atmospheric re-entry. Achieving the required level of precision adds another layer of complexity to the development process.
• Geographic Limitation: MIRV-based missiles can only strike multiple targets within their geographic footprint. This limitation requires careful consideration in strategic planning and deployment.
• Limited Nuclear Testing: India’s limited nuclear testing history has restricted the extent to which warheads could be miniaturized and MIRV technology could be developed. This lack of testing has posed challenges to Indian missile and nuclear engineers.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating warheads with missiles involves complex processes and requires coordination among various agencies, such as the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) and Advanced Systems Limited (ASL). Overcoming integration challenges adds to the difficulty of MIRV development.
• Decoys and Countermeasures: Uncertainty remains regarding whether the Agni-5 missile can carry decoys and chaff, especially during the boost and intermediate phases of flight. Integrating countermeasures adds additional technical challenges.
• Launch Platform: Agni-5 is expected to be launched from a road-mobile platform, which introduces logistical and operational considerations for deployment.

Future Scope for Indian Projects:

• Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Testing: India is set to test a long-range SLBM, which will be launched from its nuclear ballistic missile submarines. This project aims to further enhance India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities by adding a sea-based component to its arsenal.
• Continued Development by DRDO and AEC: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India are expected to continue their collaboration in developing advanced missile and nuclear technologies. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
• Strategic Focus on China: The development of the Agni-5 with MIRV capability specifically addresses potential threats from China’s missile and missile defense programs. India’s strategic focus remains on maintaining a credible deterrent vis-à-vis China.
• Enhanced Nuclear Capabilities: The successful test of the Agni-5 MIRV missile marks a significant milestone in India’s quest to become a highly credible nuclear and missile power. It signifies India’s determination to bolster its nuclear capabilities to counter emerging threats effectively.

Conclusion:

India’s MIRV advancements, though challenging, augment nuclear deterrence against China. Continued testing and SLBM development signify India’s commitment to bolstering defense capabilities and ensuring regional stability.

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