Why this matters now
Agni is tested for: IGMDP 1983 (PADAT — Prithvi/Agni/Devil/Akash/Trishul); APJ Abdul Kalam’s leadership 1983-93; the Agni-I to Agni-V range progression; Mission Divyastra on 11 March 2024 (1st MIRV test of Agni-V); Agni Prime (canisterised); India’s declared No First Use (NFU) nuclear doctrine (since 2003, “massive retaliation”); Strategic Forces Command 2003.
Agni Series
| Variant | Range | Stage/Fuel | 1st test | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | 700-1200 km | Single-stage solid | 25 Jan 2002 | In service (Strategic Forces Command 2007) |
| Agni-II | 2000-3000 km | Two-stage solid | 11 April 1999 | In service since 2010 |
| Agni-III | 3000-5000 km | Two-stage solid | 9 July 2006 (failed); 12 April 2007 (success) | In service since 2011 |
| Agni-IV | 3500-4000 km | Two-stage solid; canisterised | 15 Nov 2011 | In service since 2014 |
| Agni-V | 5000-8000 km (ICBM) | Three-stage solid; canisterised; MIRV-capable since 11 March 2024 | 19 April 2012 (1st flight) | In service since 2018; MIRV operational since 2024 |
| Agni-VI (planned) | ~8000-12,000 km | 3-4 stages; MIRV/MaRV; submarine launch ready | Under development | Planned |
| Agni Prime | 1000-2000 km | Two-stage solid; canisterised; ~50% lighter than Agni-I | 28 June 2021 | 5th test 3 April 2024; pre-induction |
Mission Divyastra (11 March 2024)
On 11 March 2024, India tested Agni-V with MIRV (Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle) capability from APJ Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island), Odisha. Codenamed Mission Divyastra. Director: Smt. Sheena Rani. India became the 4th country after USA, Russia, China + UK + France to deploy MIRV (excluding Pakistan which has limited claim to Ababeel).
MIRV significance: a single missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads, each independently targetable at different cities — complicating enemy ABM (anti-ballistic missile) defences. Counters China’s DF-41 + Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat.
No First Use + Strategic Forces Command
India’s Nuclear Doctrine of 4 January 2003 (Cabinet Committee on Security under Vajpayee) has 5 pillars:
- Credible Minimum Deterrent posture.
- No First Use (NFU) against non-nuclear states.
- Use only in retaliation, but if used, massive retaliation designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
- Nuclear retaliation possible against major chemical/biological attacks.
- Civilian political control (PM + Nuclear Command Authority + SFC).
Operationalised through the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) on 4 January 2003, headed by a 3-star general (currently Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar, since 2024) reporting to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee. SFC controls all of India’s nuclear delivery systems — Agni land-based + Mirage-2000/Su-30 MKI/Rafale air + INS Arihant/Arighat submarine.
UPSC angle
Know AGNI SERIES — India’s MEDIUM TO INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES; DRDO INTEGRATED GUIDED MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (IGMDP) launched 1983 by APJ ABDUL KALAM, PADAT = Prithvi/Agni/Devil(Akash)/Trishul(?) actually PADAT = Prithvi/Agni/Akash/Trishul/Nag; AGNI-I 700-1200 km single-stage solid, 1st test 25 Jan 2002 in service 2007; AGNI-II 2000-3000 km 2-stage solid 11 April 1999 in service 2010; AGNI-III 3000-5000 km 2-stage solid 12 April 2007 success in service 2011; AGNI-IV 3500-4000 km 2-stage solid canisterised 15 Nov 2011 in service 2014; AGNI-V 5000-8000 km ICBM 3-stage solid canisterised, 1st flight 19 April 2012, in service 2018; MISSION DIVYASTRA 11 MARCH 2024 1ST MIRV TEST APJ Kalam Island Odisha Director Smt SHEENA RANI (India 4th country MIRV after USA/Russia/China/UK/France); MIRV = Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle counters China DF-41 + Russia Sarmat; AGNI PRIME 1000-2000 km canisterised 50% lighter 1st test 28 June 2021; AGNI-VI 8000-12000 km MIRV/MaRV submarine ready planned; NUCLEAR DOCTRINE 4 January 2003 Cabinet Committee Security Vajpayee 5 pillars (credible minimum deterrent + NO FIRST USE + massive retaliation + nuclear against major chem-bio attack + civilian political control); STRATEGIC FORCES COMMAND 4 Jan 2003 3-star Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar 2024+; SFC controls Agni land + Mirage-2000/Su-30 MKI/Rafale air + Arihant/Arighat SLBM.
Frequently asked questions
What is IGMDP?
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme — launched 1983 under Dr APJ Abdul Kalam; developed PADAT family (Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, Nag). Concluded 2008 after success.
What is Mission Divyastra?
India’s 11 March 2024 test of Agni-V with MIRV capability — making India the 4th country (after US, Russia, China, UK, France) to deploy MIRV. Director: Sheena Rani.
What is India’s nuclear doctrine?
Adopted 4 January 2003 by CCS under Vajpayee: Credible Minimum Deterrent + No First Use + massive retaliation if attacked + civilian political control. SFC operationalises it.
What is the range of Agni-V?
5000-8000 km ICBM-class — reaches all of China + most of Europe + Africa. MIRV operational since March 2024.