Mission Divyastra Sets Stage for India’s Indigenous Defence Capabilities to Shine at Bharat Shakti Today – News18

At a time when India is focusing on Atmanirbharta in the defence sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tested the Agni-5 ballistic missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday with a congratulatory message to scientists at DRDO. The announcement came just a day before the Bharat Shakti event on Tuesday where India is going to showcase its indigenous capabilities. Indigenous equipment and platforms of all three forces will be a part of this mega demonstration.

While DRDO has conducted tests of the Agni-5 missile in the past and is already working on Agni-6, the latest test makes it unique as it has been done with MIRV. With the test, India has also entered into the elite club of nations that have this technology.

The Prime Minister termed the project Mission Divyastra, which was headed by a woman.

What is MIRV?

A regular ballistic missile carries a single warhead. It means that once fired, it can hit just one target. However, with MIRV, the missile can carry several warheads housed in separate reentry vehicles.

These reentry vehicles are equipped with guidance systems that allow the warhead to go on different trajectories, thus making it more impactful. Experts say that based on need and impact, it can be employed for both same and different targets.

Pakistan Testing Technology

While there are some unconfirmed reports of Pakistan successfully testing the technology in 2017, experts say it has not achieved it yet.

Furthermore, China along with the US, UK, France, and Russia are the only countries capable of using MIRV.

Pokhran to See Mega Event on Capabilities

On the other hand, Pokhran is going to host the biggest-ever exercise of indigenous equipment by all three forces. As per the Indian Army, the event will have the participation of indigenous equipment of all three forces.

The Prime Minister will be a big part of the mega event that will last 50 minutes.

According to Major General CS Mann, ADG Army Design Bureau (ADB), “There will be integrated special operations where MARCOS from the Indian Navy, Garuds of the Indian Air Force, and Para SF Commandos of the Indian Army will take part.”

A part of the naval element exercise will take place at sea, which will be broadcast live in Pokhran. In addition, the event will have a static display of equipment and platforms.

LCA Tejas, ALH Mk-IV, mobile anti-drone system, T90 tanks, Dhanush, K9 Vajra, Nag, and Pinaka are among the platforms that will be demonstrated during Exercise Bharat Shakti, the officer added.