• Source:JND

In a protracted war between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow recently launched the Oreshnik missile on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The missile attack comes two days after 18 Russian students were killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow.

This was the third time that Russia deployed the intermediate-range ballistic missile, which travels 10 times the speed of sound, and Ukraine failed to intercept it.

The use of IRBMs has sparked worldwide discussions about hypersonic missiles and missiles with MIRV technology.

Does India have this weapon?

Defence experts believe that compared to this capability of Russia, India has much more advanced and lethal ballistic missiles like Agni-V, which are considered very powerful in terms of speed, range and multi-warhead capability.

How dangerous is MIRV technology?

The Oreshnik's greatest strength is its MIRV capability, a technology that allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads and detonate them on different targets.

According to defence experts cited in a Jagran.com report, the feature makes these missiles extremely difficult to intercept. When a missile breaks up into multiple smaller warheads mid-air, air defence systems become confused, making it nearly impossible to intercept all targets simultaneously.

ALSO READ: Russia Targets Ukraine With Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile In One Of Biggest Attacks; Why Is It Significant?

Iranian ballistic missile attacks in West Asia over the past few months have also demonstrated that even modern defence systems like the US's THAAD, Israel's David's Sling, and Arrow-2 missiles are unable to completely intercept every missile. Experts say that hypersonic speeds and rapid manoeuvring in the terminal phase often leave defence systems with little time to react.

India has more viable options

According to defence experts, if India ever needs to demonstrate such a capability, it will have the Agni-V IRBM as its weapon of choice.

This missile, with MIRV capability, can reach speeds of Mach 24. This means it can travel at a speed of 30,000 kilometres per hour. Its stated range is 5,500 kilometres, covering China, most of Europe, and Africa.

Agni V feature

MIRV capability: It can carry up to 10 warheads, which is more than Oreshnik's demonstrated capability.

Fast and low altitude launch: The missile can be launched on a 'depressed trajectory', which reduces the flight time and gives the enemy very little reaction time.

Extremely difficult to intercept: With its mid-course manoeuvring capability, it can confuse enemy ballistic missile defence systems.

Canister-Based Launch System: The Agni-V is housed in a sealed canister. This ensures long-term storage and allows for rapid launch when needed.

ALSO READ: What Is Oreshnik? Inside Russia's Doomsday Hypersonic Missile Fired At Ukraine | Explained

Indigenous Navigation Technology: The missile uses India's indigenous NAVIC system, Inertial Navigation System (INS) and ring laser gyroscope, which significantly increases its accuracy.

Extreme Temperature Withstandability: The advanced materials used in the missile can withstand temperatures up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. This capability is crucial during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.


Also In News