IGMDP Programme, Agni Ballistics & BrahMos
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), sanctioned in 1983 under the DRDO and led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, established self-reliance in missile technology through five core systems: Prithvi (short-range surface-to-surface), Trishul (short-range surface-to-air), Akash (medium-range surface-to-air), Nag (anti-tank guided), and Agni (technology demonstrator for ballistic systems). The Agni series subsequently evolved into an independent family of road-mobile, canisterised solid-fuel ballistic missiles ranging from Agni-I to the intercontinental-range Agni-V featuring MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) capability. Alongside ballistic systems, the BrahMos joint venture with Russia yielded the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missile, capable of land, sea, sub-surface, and aerial launch at Mach 2.8–3.0 speeds.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The IGMDP was launched in 1983 and successfully developed five missile systems: Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag, and Agni.
- Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a strike range exceeding 5,000 kilometres, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
- BrahMos is a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
- Mission Divyastra (March 2024) successfully flight-tested the indigenous Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV technology.