In the 1980s, India launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) under Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, aiming to build a robust missile arsenal. The Agni series, meaning "fire" in Sanskrit, emerged as a cornerstone of India's strategic deterrence.
Introduced in 2007, Agni-I is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of 700–900 km. Weighing 12 tonnes, it can carry a 1,000 kg payload, including nuclear warheads, at a speed of 2.5 km/s. It marked India’s entry into road-mobile missile technology.
Agni-II, with a range of 2,000–2,500 km, and Agni-III, reaching up to 3,500 km, were game-changers. Agni-III’s accuracy, with a circular error probable (CEP) of 40 meters, made it one of the most precise missiles in its class, enhancing India’s deterrence against regional threats.
Agni-IV, tested successfully in 2011, has a range of 3,000–4,000 km. It can withstand re-entry temperatures of over 3,000°C and carry a 1-tonne payload, bridging the gap between Agni-II and Agni-III with improved accuracy and range.
Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), boasts a range of over 5,000 km, capable of reaching all of Asia and parts of Europe. With MIRV technology (tested in 2024 under Mission Divyastra), it can deliver multiple warheads to different targets, joining India to an elite global club.
Agni-Prime, a medium-range missile (1,000–2,000 km), is lighter and more accurate, featuring a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV). Successfully tested in 2023, it’s eyed as a potential anti-ship ballistic missile, strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Under development, Agni-VI aims for a range of 8,000–12,000 km with MIRV capabilities. It will be capable of submarine and land launches, potentially carrying up to 10 warheads, making it a force multiplier for India’s nuclear deterrence.
The Agni series bolsters India’s no-first-use nuclear doctrine, providing credible deterrence against China and Pakistan. With ranges covering key geopolitical regions, these missiles ensure India’s strategic flexibility and national security in a volatile world.