DRDO Chief’s announcement on Agni-6 missile, said, ‘We are completely ready, just waiting for the government’s approval’

New Delhi: Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman of Defense Research and Development Organization i.e. DRDO, has given a big statement regarding Agni-6 missile. He clearly said that the development of Agni-6 completely depends on the decision of the government. Kamat said, “This is the government’s decision. Whenever we get the green signal, we are ready.”

What is Agni-6 missile and why is it special? 

Let us tell you that this statement of DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat has come at a time when there are continuous discussions regarding the strategic strength of the country. Agni-6 will be India’s next Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM. But what is this Agni-6 missile and why is it necessary for the security of the country?

Actually, Agni-6 will be DRDO’s most advanced and long-range ballistic missile till date. It is the next version of Agni-5, but many times more powerful. Its biggest feature is MIRV technology.

This means that multiple nuclear warheads can be launched from one missile and they will hit different targets simultaneously. This missile is being made mainly for strategic deterrence. With this, India will be able to easily target any corner of China. Also the Nuclear Triad will get further strength.

Strengths and features of Agni-6 missile  

According to the information received, the range of Agni-6 will be 10 to 12 thousand kilometers. With light payload it can also go up to 14 to 16 thousand km. It will be capable of carrying a nuclear or thermonuclear warhead of about 3 tons i.e. 3000 kg.

Under MIRV capability, it will be able to carry 10 to 11 warheads. Each warhead can have a yield of up to 250 kilotons. It will have a three or four stage solid fuel rocket engine. The weight can be between 55 to 70 tons and the length can be from 20 to 40 meters. It will be bigger than Agni-5.

It can be launched from road-mobile launcher and rail. A submarine-launched version may also be available in the future. Inertial navigation, ring laser gyroscope and NAVIC i.e. IRNSS will be used for guidance. Its speed will be up to 30,870 km per hour. Light composite material will be used in Agni-6. This technology is also derived from the K-5 and K-6 submarine launched missiles.

Missile design work completed 

DRDO has completed the design of Agni-6. The design has been finalized in 2025. Currently the work of making prototype is going on. But flight tests and further work will start only when the central government gives approval.

Dr. Kamat made it clear that technically DRDO is completely ready. Just waiting for the government’s decision. India has already deployed Agni-5. Its range is more than 5000 km and MIRV test has also been successful. Agni-6 is the next step in that series.

Why is Agni-6 important for India?   

India is surrounded by challenges on both the fronts, China and Pakistan. China has several ICBMs with a range of more than 10,000 km. Agni-6 will give equal strength to India. This will further strengthen the second strike capability.

Due to MIRV technology, a single missile can destroy several cities or military bases simultaneously. It will be very difficult for the enemy to stop it. This missile will make India’s nuclear deterrence more reliable.

What will happen next now? 

It is noteworthy that Agni-6 is still in the development stage. DRDO will start flight tests as soon as it gets government approval. After successful test it will be included in the Strategic Forces Command. The statement of Dr. Sameer V. Kamat shows that DRDO is working rapidly on the goal of self-reliant India. As soon as the government’s decision comes, Agni-6 will take the country’s security to new heights.