Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Science and technology, Topic: Defense, Issue: Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).
Context: India successfully tested Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology under Mission Divyastra.
Significance:
- Enable simultaneous strikes on multiple targets.
- Places India among a select group of nations (USA, Russia, China, France and UK).
- Restores balance in the Sino-Indian nuclear deterrent
- Demonstrates India’s ability to meet complex technical requirements of MIRV.
Conclusion: India’s upcoming test of a long-range Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) will further strengthen India’s nuclear arsenal.