1: Introduction and Background

- India recently carried out a successful first-ever flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 ballistic missile featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

- This significant test was conducted off the coast of Odisha at Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam Island.

- The test flight is part of India's 'Mission Divyastra'.

2: Understanding Agni-V

- Agni-V is an advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in India.

- It is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed from the ground up by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.

- Known as a fire-and-forget missile, Agni-V, post-launch, does not need further guidance and cannot be intervened without an interceptor missile.

- With a range of over 5000 km, Agni-V is built to strike targets beyond this distance.

- It is capable of carrying a warhead weighing about 1500 kg.

- The whole family of Agni missiles, i.e., Agni-1 through Agni-5, forms the backbone of India's nuclear launch capabilities.

- Agni-V has undergone and passed multiple successful tests since its inception in 2012.

3: Understanding MIRV Technology

- The latest version of the Agni-5 missile is now equipped with MIRV technology.

- Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology empowers a single missile to release several warheads that can target different locations or the same area, at varying times.

- This technological enhancement increases the potency of the missile by granting it the capability to attack multiple targets simultaneously.

- The MIRV feature of Agni-V is primarily aimed at addressing threats from China.

- These missiles can be launched from different terrains, including land and sea (submarines).

4: Global Perspective

- As of the present context, only a handful of countries have managed to acquire MIRV-equipped missiles. They are the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.

- Pakistan is in the process of developing such missile systems. Additionally, there are speculations that Israel might also possess or is potentially developing a similar system.

The successful integration of the MIRV technology in Agni-5 not only fortifies India's defence but also positions it as a key global player in advanced warfare technology. Agni-5's enhanced capability could reshape strategic dynamics in the Asian region.