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| Pic Courtesy-DRDO, Govt of India |
Now Agni-5 has been widely seen as a game changer in the security calculus of Asia. It is because for the first time, the entire China falls with in the range of this missile which will prove to be an effective deterrence against India. Agni-5 incorporates several new and advanced technology that will be incorporated into newer missile systems in times to come. First there was ambiguity as to the designation of the Agni-5 with India choosing to tag it as Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM). But all doubts has been laid to rest with India conforming that Agni-5 is an ICBM meaning, it can travel in excess of 5,500 Km. India has long established it's mastery over rocketry with the development of several advanced missiles but has always been shy in developing an ICBM , lest be seen as expansionistic. But lately with in increasingly aggressive neighbor, India was left with no other option but to go in for full scale development of an ICBM. Agni-5 is also unique because it is solid propelled that makes it been able to be launched in the shortest possible time. Other unique feature of the missile will be the development of MIRV technology which makes it possible to launch multiple independence warheads from a single missile which ensures that they are virtually impossible to be intercepted.
AGNI-5 (SECURITY IMPLICATIONS IN SOUTH ASIA)
After the launch, there has been talk of a major change in the South Asian security architecture. International strategic community has been buss with the talk of another South Asian arms race. But this is not going to be as Agni-5 was never intended to be against Pakistan but solely a s a weapon against China. One does not need an ICBM to target Pakistan as Pakistan does not have any depth. The job can be done by either Agni or Agni-2 missile. Agni-5 was always intended for China. Moreover Pakistan has always been only a beep in the Indian strategic calculation radar mostly chosen to be ignored. But China is a different ball game altogether. India will need to develop robust strike capability against China that includes both land and sea based launchers. India is constantly working on this direction with the development of the secretive "K family" of submarine launched missiles along with Agni series of Missiles.
India has come a long way from the initial days of the Agni technological demonstrators. It is high time we respect all those who have dedicated to making the Agni and other missiles operational with the successful development advanced technologies which can be compared to be the best in the world. Be proud of them and be proud of ths great country, India that is our motherland'
Vante Mathram
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