Russia recently demonstrated its military prowess by deploying the Oreshnik missile against Ukraine's capital, Kiev. This strike occurred two days after a Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow resulted in the deaths of 18 Russian students. The Oreshnik is an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) that travels at Mach 10, or 10 times the speed of sound, equivalent to 12,300 kilometers per hour or 3.4 kilometers per second. At this velocity, it can cover the 230-kilometer distance from Delhi to Chandigarh in about one minute, the 120-kilometer aerial distance from Mumbai to Pune in just over half a minute, and the 270-kilometer stretch between Bengaluru and Chennai in 80 seconds.
Dangers of MIRV Warheads
The Oreshnik's lethality is amplified by its ability to carry a Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) warhead. This payload enables a single missile to deliver multiple nuclear or conventional warheads, each capable of being aimed at distinct targets, overwhelming enemy defenses. Recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks across West Asia have highlighted the challenges faced by air and missile defense systems like the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Israeli David's Sling, and Arrow 2. While some interceptions have occurred, the task becomes nearly impossible when a warhead splits into multiple smaller warheads, especially at hypersonic speeds during the terminal phase, leaving minimal reaction time for defense systems.
India's Superior Alternative: Agni-V
India's answer to such capabilities is the Agni-V IRBM, which can reach a staggering Mach 24, or nearly 30,000 kilometers per hour (about 8 kilometers per second). With a stated range of 5,500 kilometers, the Agni-V can target locations across China, most of Europe, and Africa. The missile is MIRV-capable and enhances survivability against ballistic missile defenses through a depressed trajectory launch, reducing flight time and enemy reaction windows. Its excess energy allows for mid-course maneuvers, complicating interception attempts.
Technical Specifications
The Agni-V is a three-stage, solid-fueled, road-mobile missile housed in sealed canisters for long-term storage, rapid transport, and ready-to-fire deployment. This canisterized design offers operational flexibility over earlier Agni variants. Guidance is provided by the indigenously developed NAVIC system, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), and a ring laser gyroscope. The missile is constructed from advanced materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 4,000 degrees Celsius. According to reports, the Agni-V can carry up to 10 warheads, surpassing the demonstrated capability of the Oreshnik.
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