WAITING FOR AGNI-6 ICBM

An effective nuclear (thermonuclear) deterrence against China will be possible only when India tests and deploys an MIRV (MaRV)-capable ballistic missile with a 3-tonne payload capacity having a range of at least 8000 km,

- AMARTYA SINHA

On December 15, 2022, India successfully carried out a night trial of the Agni-5 ICBM (Intercontinental-range O Ballistic missile) from the Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The test was to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile. Replacing maraging steel with lightweight composite materials made the Agni-5 missile 20 percent lighter from its previous avatars. The launch also proved a striking capability beyond 7000 km. But an effective Indian credible nuclear deterrence against China still remains unfulfilled due to Agni-5's limited payload carrying capacity of 1.5 tonnes. India's integrated guidedmissile development programme needs to go the extra mile in many aspects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategic vision is to see India emerge as a first rung global economic and military power by the middle of this decade. Maintaining an effective intercontinental-range nuclear deterrence by deploying Agni-5 and Agni-6 missiles will play a pivotal role in fulfilling this Indian dream.

The legacy of Agni-5