The Agni missile series is India's principal family of indigenously developed, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Basic Details
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Origin Programme: Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched in 1983.
- Variants: Agni-I to Agni-V, and the developmental Agni-P and Agni-VI, ranging from short-range to intercontinental capability.
- Operational Custodian: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), under the Nuclear Command Authority.
Key Features
- Staged Design: Later variants, from Agni-III onward, use a two-stage, solid-fuel propulsion system for greater range and shorter launch preparation time.
- Range Progression: Range increases across the series — Agni-I (about 700–900 km), Agni-II (about 2,000–3,000 km), Agni-III and Agni-IV (about 3,000–4,000 km), and Agni-V (over 5,000 km, intercontinental range).
- Canisterised Launch: Newer variants such as Agni-V are canisterised, allowing storage, transport, and rapid launch from road-mobile launchers.
- MIRV Capability: Agni-V has been tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology under Mission Divyastra, letting a single missile strike multiple targets.
Significance
- Credible Minimum Deterrence: The series forms the backbone of the land-based leg of India's nuclear triad, underpinning its declared No First Use and credible minimum deterrence doctrine.
- Strategic Autonomy: Indigenous development reduces India's dependence on foreign missile technology amid export-control regimes such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
- Regional Deterrence: Progressive range extensions have expanded India's deterrence coverage across its immediate and extended neighbourhood.