India’s increasing focus on reliable, powerful conventional deterrent and quick response options in the face of changing regional security threats is reflected in the Agni-V’s adaption for conventional warfare. India is prioritizing the capacity to hit important targets in its immediate and extended neighborhood, especially in the Indo-Pacific area, without going over the nuclear threshold by choosing to carry a heavy conventional payload.
The operational range must be shortened because the conventional variant’s 7.5-tonne warhead is five times larger than the nuclear version’s payload. The conventional Agni-V will have an estimated range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers, whilst the nuclear-capable Agni-V can target areas beyond 5,000 kilometers. A devastating conventional strike may be delivered to high-value targets inside India’s strategic area, such as portions of China, Pakistan, the Indian Ocean region, and Southeast Asia, thanks to this purposeful trade-off.
The missile will retain the Agni-V’s primary technological advantages, such as its canister-launch capabilities, sophisticated navigation and guidance systems, and three-stage, solid-fuel motor. Despite the somewhat heavier warhead, these characteristics provide excellent accuracy and operational flexibility.
The Agni-V platform’s diversification into conventional duties gives India a potent weapon for swift, decisive attacks against adversary assets that are buried deep and those that are visible. This is especially important when facing enemies who use underground or reinforced infrastructure to safeguard their most important command and military assets.
The airburst warhead, which is intended to explode above the target location, produces a tremendous shock wave and scatters deadly shards over a large region. This arrangement maximizes damage over a wide region and is very effective against large, exposed targets including military convoys, airfields, logistics centers, and surface infrastructure.
This type, which is designed for deep penetration, can penetrate and destroy underground or heavily protected structures that are 80–100 meters deep. Hardened command posts or hidden weapon storage locations are certain to be destroyed upon impact as the warhead penetrates the surface before detonating—a crucial feature in contemporary warfare as crucial assets are frequently shielded underground.
The necessity to strengthen its conventional deterrence posture and offer reliable, non-nuclear alternatives for high-stakes war situations is what motivates India to develop a conventional Agni-V variant. By providing a versatile, scalable response to conventional threats, the development enhances India’s current nuclear deterrence and is viewed as a proactive response to regional rivals’ growing reliance on fortified and underground military facilities.
India is greatly increasing its strategic toolset by using the tested Agni-V platform for non-nuclear missions. This allows for quick, powerful attacks that can destroy vital enemy installations without starting a nuclear war. India’s dedication to preserving its operational adaptability and strategic leadership in a security environment that is becoming more complicated is demonstrated by this program.
A conventional Agni-V ICBM variant with a 7.5-tonne warhead that can be used in both airburst and bunker buster variants is currently being developed by India’s DRDO. India’s tactical and strategic attack capabilities have been significantly improved by this action, which offers a reliable, potent conventional deterrent that is suited to dealing with contemporary security issues and regional threats.
India is undergoing a dramatic change in its missile doctrine and tactical capabilities with the development of a conventional, non-nuclear version of its Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is leading this new project, which will outfit the Agni-V platform with a large 7.5-ton conventional warhead. This will significantly improve India’s capacity to execute precise, high-impact strikes against a variety of strategic targets.