Like Agni V, DRDO must excel in all areas

The success of the maiden canister-based trial of India’s inter-continental ballistic missile Agni V is reason for great pride for the country.

The trial, which was held on the integrated test range on the Odisha coast on Saturday, more than validated all parameters. It was the third developmental trial of Agni V, and it has taken India to the most exclusive club of countries with nuclear-capable, long range missiles.

The missile has a range of 5,000 km (8,000 km, according to China) and can reach anywhere in Asia, including China, and parts of Europe and Africa from any part of India. It has given a big leap for the country’s defence capability, as the former director-general of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr Avinash Chander, said.

The launch was held on his last day in office after he was terminated by the government. Dr Chander could be especially proud of the achievement as he has been the guiding spirit behind the country’s recent missile development efforts.

Saturday’s test was not just about the efficiency and accuracy of the missile but about the country’s ability to safely launch it in times of hostilities. Missiles on open launch pads are vulnerable to attacks before they are launched. But missiles kept in canisters loaded on rail carriages or truck trailers cannot be detected by satellites and can be launched from any place.

They are more reliable and have a longer shelf life. This capability is essential in view of the no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons adopted by the country. Only the US, Russia and China have this capability. Agni V also has better technology than its earlier versions in some important aspects.

It has a better guidance and navigation system developed domestically after the technology was denied to India by other countries. This has improved the accuracy of the missile. It ensures a strike within 50 km of the target. This level of accuracy is more than sufficient for a missile which carries a

one-tonne nuclear warhead. The carbon composite shield which protects it from heating and makes it lighter was also developed indigenously.

After two more tests this year, the missile will be ready for induction into the strategic forces command. The DRDO has been successful with missile development, having developed a number of them in four decades. They include Agni, two versions of surface-to-surface Prithvi, surface-to-air Akash, anti-tank Nag and the quick reaction surface-to-air Trishul. All except Nag and Trishul have been weaponised. The DRDO should show the same excellence in other areas of defence research also.