Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Agni Missile, MIRV Technology, DRDO
Mains: GS Paper 3 — Defence Technology, Internal Security, Strategic Capabilities

Why in News?

India successfully tested an:

Advanced Agni missile equipped with MIRV technology

marking a major milestone in India’s strategic defence capability.

The missile can:
→ Deploy multiple warheads at different targets simultaneously.

What is MIRV Technology?

MIRV = Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle

It allows:
✔ One missile
to carry
✔ Multiple nuclear or conventional warheads

which can strike:
→ Different targets independently.

Why Is MIRV Important?

1. Multiple Target Capability

One missile can hit:
✔ Several locations simultaneously

2. Stronger Nuclear Deterrence

Enhances:
→ Strategic strike capability

3. Difficult to Intercept

Enemy missile defence systems face:
✔ Greater difficulty stopping multiple warheads

4. Global Strategic Status

Places India among:
→ Select technologically advanced military powers

About the Agni Missile Series

The:

Agni missiles

are India’s:
✔ Long-range ballistic missiles

developed under:
→ DRDO’s Integrated Guided Missile Programme.

Who Conducted the Test?

The successful test involved:

✔ DRDO
✔ Indian Army
✔ Defence industry partners

Telemetry and tracking were done through:
→ Ground and ship-based systems.

India’s Defence Significance

The successful MIRV test strengthens:

✔ Strategic deterrence
✔ National security
✔ Defence preparedness
✔ Indigenous defence technology

Global Importance

Countries with MIRV capability gain:

✔ Enhanced second-strike capability
✔ Strategic military advantage
✔ Stronger deterrence posture

Mission Divyastra

The test was reportedly conducted under:

‘Mission Divyastra’

to validate:
→ MIRV deployment technology.

Special Note for Aspirants

Students preparing through:

UPSC coaching Chandigarh

or

IAS coaching Chandigarh

should focus on:

✔ Ballistic missile systems
✔ Nuclear deterrence
✔ DRDO technologies
✔ Defence modernisation
✔ India’s strategic security architecture

These topics are highly important for:
→ GS3 + Essay + Interview.

Key Insight for UPSC

→ Modern warfare increasingly depends on:

✔ Advanced missile systems
✔ Indigenous defence production
✔ Strategic deterrence capability

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. MIRV stands for:

A. Multiple Independent Radar Vehicle
B. Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle
C. Missile Integrated Radar Vehicle
D. None

→ Answer: B

Q2. Agni missiles are mainly:

A. Surface-to-air missiles
B. Ballistic missiles
C. Cruise missiles
D. Anti-tank missiles

→ Answer: B

Q3. DRDO stands for:

A. Defence Research and Development Organisation
B. Department of Research and Defence Operations
C. Defence Radar Development Office
D. None

→ Answer: A

Q4. MIRV technology allows:

A. One missile to carry multiple warheads
B. Faster aircraft movement
C. Underwater missile launch
D. Satellite communication

→ Answer: A

Q5. Agni missile tests are linked with:

A. Agriculture policy
B. Strategic deterrence
C. Health infrastructure
D. River management

→ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India’s growing missile and defence technology capabilities are reshaping its strategic deterrence posture.”
Discuss with reference to MIRV technology and the Agni missile programme.

FAQs

1. What is MIRV technology?

It allows one missile to carry multiple independently targetable warheads.

2. Who developed the Agni missile?

DRDO developed the Agni missile series.

3. Why is MIRV important?

It strengthens strategic deterrence and defence capability.

4. What is Mission Divyastra?

It is linked with India’s MIRV missile capability testing.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 3.