India’s strategic defence capabilities may soon witness a significant leap as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) prepares to advance its ambitious Agni-VI ballistic missile programme. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat announced that the project is fully prepared to move forward, pending final approval from the government.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Kamat emphasized that all preliminary groundwork for the Agni-VI has been completed. He noted that the organisation is poised to begin development as soon as it receives the formal go-ahead, signaling a high level of preparedness within India’s defence research ecosystem.
The Agni-VI is envisioned as the most advanced missile in India’s Agni series, designed to significantly enhance the country’s long-range strike capabilities. With an estimated range of 6,000 to 10,000 kilometres, the missile is expected to fall within the category of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It is also likely to incorporate advanced MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, enabling it to carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets.
Once operational, Agni-VI is expected to strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence posture with improved accuracy, survivability, and payload flexibility, making it a crucial addition to the nation’s strategic arsenal.
Kamat also shed light on the rapid progress of India’s hypersonic weapons programmes. He revealed that work is underway on both hypersonic glide and hypersonic cruise missile systems. Among these, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR AShM) glide variant is currently in an advanced stage and is likely to undergo initial testing in the near future.
Explaining the technology, Kamat said that hypersonic glide vehicles rely on a booster rocket for initial acceleration before gliding at high speeds without propulsion. In contrast, hypersonic cruise missiles use scramjet engines to sustain propulsion throughout their flight. According to him, the glide system is currently ahead in development compared to its cruise counterpart.
Beyond individual missile systems, DRDO is also contributing to a broader vision of a structured conventional missile force for India. Kamat highlighted the importance of building a comprehensive mix of short, medium, and long-range capabilities, incorporating ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic systems for both tactical and strategic roles.
He pointed out that several short-range systems are nearing induction, including the Pralay missile, which is in its final stages of testing. Additionally, some existing strategic platforms may be adapted for conventional roles across medium and longer ranges.
Earlier at the summit, Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that India is actively working towards establishing a multi-layered conventional missile force, reinforcing the country’s preparedness across varied combat scenarios.
The readiness of the Agni-VI programme underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities amid evolving global security dynamics. While the project remains contingent on government approval, the groundwork laid by DRDO indicates that the nation is well-positioned to usher in the next phase of its missile development journey.
As India continues to invest in advanced technologies such as hypersonic systems and next-generation ballistic missiles, the Agni-VI stands out as a symbol of the country’s growing strategic and technological prowess on the global stage.
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