Agni V gets ready for canister launch this month

Agni V

DRDO is gearing up for the canister version test of most potent surface-to-surface Inter-continental range Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V. The longest range nuclear capable missile is likely to be test-fired from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast on March 15.

Pre-launch preparations are on at Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island). The test could be the missile’s last developmental trial and the outcome assumes significance as the weapon system is likely to be operationalised next year. While Agni-V is a complex system, its test from a canister makes it even more complicated given the involvement of a variety of sophisticated and high-end tracking systems to capture data for the full operational range.

Since the first test of the missile in 2012, the missile has undergone several upgradation. It has become more stable, fast reacting and agile with quick response time. A defence scientist associated with the missile development said the new canister-launcher has been built uniquely so that the missile can respond within minutes of command. A gas generator at the bottom of the canister pushes off the missile before its first stage is ignited and missile roars into the sky.

What makes the missile more effective is that it can be equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) capable of delivering multiple warheads at different targets at long distances. The DRDO is now working on integrating the long range missiles with MIRV capable of incorporating six to 10 warheads.