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India tests Agni-5 MIRV missile capable of multiple nuclear strikes
The defence ministry announced a successful flight trial of the Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV technology, capable of delivering multiple warheads to several targets. The test builds on the 2024 maiden MIRV flight and follows an April 2026 naval milestone, with varied commentary on warhead numbers and strategic implications.
Why It Matters
The development enhances India's strategic deterrence and extends its nuclear triad capabilities, signaling advanced MIRV technology among a select group of nations.
Timeline
5 Events
Agni-5 MIRV flight test confirms multiple-target capability
May 8, 2026
The defence ministry reported a flight test of the locally developed Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The test directed multiple payloads at targets spatially distributed over a large geographical area in the Indian Ocean Region. Telemetry and tracking were carried out by multiple ground- and ship-based stations, confirming that all mission objectives were met. While there was no official word on the exact number of warheads, military scientists tracking the project pegged it at four or five.
INS Aridaman commissioned into service
April 2026
The Indian Navy commissioned its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridaman, into service in April, in a ceremony kept under wraps in Visakhapatnam.
SIPRI yearbook cites India's warhead stockpile
June 2025
The SIPRI yearbook released in June 2025 cited India's nuclear warhead stockpile at 180 as of January 2025.
Codename Mission Divyastra revealed during March 2024 test
March 2024
During the historic March 2024 test, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the codename for the test as 'Mission Divyastra'.
Agni-5 MIRV maiden flight test
March 2024
The defence ministry announced the maiden flight test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology.