Source: TOI
Context:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of an advanced Agni series missile from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This is the second major successful demonstration of Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology by India (following the ‘Mission Divyastra’ in 2024), solidifying India’s position in a select group of nations—including the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK—that possess this strategic capability.
Key Highlights of the Trial
- MIRV Technology: The missile successfully deployed multiple payloads (warheads) to separate, spatially distributed targets in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Precision Tracking: The entire trajectory was monitored by ground and ship-based telemetry stations from lift-off to the impact of all individual payloads.
- Strategic Reach: The trial confirmed that India can now neutralize multiple strategic targets across a large geographical area using a single launch vehicle.
- Indigenous Success: The project involved collaboration between DRDO, the Indian Army, and domestic industry partners, furthering the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in defense.
About the News
Q1: From where was the advanced Agni missile test-fired?
A: The test was conducted from the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island) off the coast of Odisha.
Q2: What is the primary purpose of the MIRV system confirmed in this trial?
A: The MIRV system allows a single missile to carry several warheads, each capable of being directed to a different target at different locations simultaneously, rather than a single warhead hitting a single target.
Q3: How was the mission’s success verified by the Defence Ministry?
A: Success was verified via flight data from multiple ground and ship-based tracking stations that monitored the trajectory until the impact of all payloads, confirming that all mission objectives were met.
Background Concept
Q1: What is a Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)?
A: MIRV is a missile payload containing several warheads. Once the main missile reaches the edge of space, it releases a “bus” (post-boost vehicle) that maneuvers and releases individual warheads at different times and angles to hit multiple, widely separated targets.
Q2: Why is MIRV technology considered a “force multiplier”?
A: It is a force multiplier because it makes missile defense systems (like interceptors) much less effective. An enemy would need multiple interceptors to stop just one MIRV-equipped missile, as each warhead must be tracked and destroyed separately.
Q3: What are the different variants of the Agni missile family?
A: The Agni family ranges from Agni-I (700-900 km range) to Agni-V (intercontinental range of over 5,000 km). They are solid-fuel, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles that form the backbone of India’s nuclear triad.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The “Mission Divyastra” and the recent May 2026 Agni trial are associated with which specific technology?
A) Stealth Propulsion
B) Hypersonic Glide Vehicles
C) Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
D) Satellite Anti-Jamming
E) Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)
2. Which organization is primarily responsible for the design and development of the Agni missile series?
A) ISRO
B) HAL
C) DRDO
D) BDL
E) Ordnance Factory Board
3. In the context of the recent test, where were the targets for the multiple payloads located?
A) Bay of Bengal
B) Arabian Sea
C) Indian Ocean Region
D) Thar Desert
E) South China Sea
4. How many countries (including India) are currently recognized to possess functional MIRV technology?
A) 3
B) 6
C) 10
D) 15
E) 4
Answers
- C (MIRV)
- C (DRDO)
- C (Indian Ocean Region)
- B (6 — USA, Russia, China, UK, France, and India)
Exam Relevance
| Exam Body | Relevance & Application |
| UPSC (CSE) | GS Paper III: Science & Technology—Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Indigenization of technology; Internal Security. |
| RBI Grade B | General Awareness: Static and current facts about India’s defense breakthroughs and strategic assets. |
| NABARD Grade A | General Awareness: National news, specifically focusing on self-reliance in critical technology sectors. |
| SSC (CGL/CHSL) | General Awareness: Facts about Agni missiles, MIRV full form, testing locations (Odisha), and DRDO leadership. |
| Defence Exams (CDS/AFCAT) | Specialized Knowledge: Technical specifications of Agni missiles and strategic implications of MIRV for the Indian Armed Forces. |
