Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs)

[LETHALFORCE]

Agni-VI or Surya is IMO mere speculation as of now. Agni-V itself would get MIRV in coming days. As far as news goes, even Agni-IV is undergoing upgradation to be an ICBM rather then IRBM. If I've to believe in all what I hear, Agni-V is going for 10K soon enough.
Much of our next priority should be in SLBM. A 10K Sagarika with MIRV or MaRV is much more potent then a Surface to Surface ICBM.

I think if it is widely publizicied it is more than speculation . IMO it is completed and just
awaiting conformation.

 

[Chinmoy]

I think if it is widely publizicied it is more than speculation . IMO it is completed and just
awaiting conformation.

It is publicized, but I don't think we would see anything like that in near future. Anything more then 8K for India would be SLBM. Next in Agni-V would be MIRV. Maybe we could officially declare a 8K range of A5 as A6 or Surya with MIRV, but it is too much publicized that India downplayed the actual range of A5 itself. So anything like A6 with 8K range would just be A5 with MIRV.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

It is publicized, but I don't think we would see anything like that in near future. Anything more then 8K for India would be SLBM. Next in Agni-V would be MIRV. Maybe we could officially declare a 8K range of A5 as A6 or Surya with MIRV, but it is too much publicized that India downplayed the actual range of A5 itself. So anything like A6 with 8K range would just be A5 with MIRV.

so is A5 is completed than A6 is also done expect a few changes??

 

[Chinmoy]

so is A5 is completed than A6 is also done expect a few changes??

Speaking in terms of range, Yes. What is expected and due in A5 is MIRV. Few days ago while listening to news regarding A5 test launch, one of the ex DRDO official unintentionally(?) mentioned its range to be in 8K. They even gave a glimpse of MIRV development for A5 specifically.
Now ICBMs are more of an political weapon along with strategic one. Its well known that India downplayed its actual range to save itself from political sanctions. Now to be in political good book you simply can't go and change your diktat. Either you have to declare a new system with that range or you have to stuck with what you said.
Along with that, if you speak of strategy, A5 is currently enough of what India needs now. Politically too you don't want to send some wrong signals across with something like 10K range missile. I mean whom do you want to target with a 10K missile? US? In given condition, its out of question. So I think if you want to develop a 10K range missile for strategic use and want to be in political good book, you have to develop a SLBM with that range. That way you could use it as a strategic weapon against China or Pak and would be politically immune too with your decision.

 

[Chinmoy]

so is A5 is completed than A6 is also done expect a few changes??

Look what I told about regarding A6. Its main purpose would be solved only if its an SLBM.......

The Agni-6 is reported to be in early stages of development and the latest and most advanced version, is expected to be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, with a strike-range of 8,000-10,000 km.

http://www.financialexpress.com/ind...look-back-at-indias-missile-programme/495051/

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Interesting Pakistani article with misinformation and many mistakes

http://nation.com.pk/blogs/23-Jan-2...al-ballistic-missile-says-about-its-ambitions

What India’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile says about its ambitions


The strategic landscape of China, India and Pakistan contours the regional environment because three states share commonalities about historical conflicts, geography and power acquisition. In the South Asian region, the arms race is proportional to the nuclear developments of India. In order to achieve significant superiority over Pakistan and satisfactory status quo with China, India has recently augmented its nuclear and missile program more speedily. Several tests conducted last year by India enhanced the sophistication of its nuclear program and upgraded sea based deterrence. Meanwhile, the recent successful test of Indian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) has embarked a new debate on missile proliferation in South Asia and its impact since the missile has been termed as ‘game changer’ and ‘giant leap’ in country’s strategic calculus.

The final testing of Agni-V ranks India among exclusive states possessing ICBMs. The significant and noteworthy aspect of this development is the incorporation of new technologies in the Agni V missile. The induction of these technologies hints towards future trends, strategies and aspirations. More importantly, the provided canister based launch system would support the storage of missile until the desired launching time. The mated form of warhead and missile would enable the operational flexibility by making the missile preparation/deployment time shorter. It eases the reloading and increases the readiness. Second, this canisterized version from a road mobile launcher would enable the flexibility of launching the missile from anywhere in the country and make the missile highly mobile. A significant technique to ensure safety and reduce the vulnerability of nuclear assets on land is to make them mobile. The frequent mobility of missiles declines the adversary’s capability to continuously monitor and track them with the aim to hit accurately. Moreover, if decoys were also to be placed with real missiles, it would further complicate hitting the opponent’s real missiles. Third, Agni-V is solid fuel propelled missile that offers longer storage life, as compared to liquid fuelled missile which offers less shelf life and demands longer time before preparation. Thus solid fueled missile reduces preparation time, increase accuracy and improve readiness level. Fourth, the test launch of missile in a depressed trajectory would provide the ability to counter ballistic missile defense (BMD). The BMD system consists of sensors to detect and track the missile/warhead and a guided missile, called interceptor, to intercept and destroy the incoming enemy ballistic missiles by using the “hit-to-kill,” direct impact technologies. However, in depressed launch, the angle and less flight time does not provide enough reaction time to BMD to track and hit the target. Fifth, Agni-V is also significant for India’s weapons capability in space. In the words of DRDO Chief VK Saraswat, “Agni V's launch has opened a new era. Apart from adding a new dimension to our strategic defence, it has ushered in fantastic opportunities in building anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and launching mini/micro satellites on demand”. Sixth, in future, Agni-V is expected to be incorporated with MIRV technology. The coupling of nuclear capable ballistic missile with MIRVs looks more dominant posture for minimum deterrent. Moreover, since neither China nor Pakistan possesses BMD, this technology also signifies Indian ambitions beyond these two states. The range of missile brings a major portion of Asia and Europe (reportedly includes Moscow and Tehran) within its sweep. Accordingly, this submarine launched ballistic missile revolves around a nuclear triad of land, air and sea-based capability.

Consequently, the way India is lately vehemently pursuing its ambition to build long range power projection capabilities, the trend hints to operational deployment of nuclear armed ballistic missiles of different ranges against its adversaries, that certainly includes its two nuclear neighboring states.

Pragmatically, India’s existing strategic threat scenario does not necessitate a missile with range more than 5,000 km. However, it has been reported by Indian officials that after concluding Agni-V flight testing, India will push the development programme of Agni-VI while the capabilities and specifications of missile has already been decided. The question arises that at whom these extended ranges of missiles will be aimed. Although there was no unpleasant reaction from the international community especially from Western state, the Chinese reference about India breaking the UN limits on nuclear arms and long-range missile is significant as far as the global arms control measures are concerned. Chinese stance is that India’s growing role as a non-NPT state is changing the geopolitics of Asia-Pacific region.

Consequently, it is argued by many analysts that India is moving from its minimal deterrent posture to higher state of readiness and war-fighting capabilities. It also underestimates the widely recognized statement that India has a centralized command and control system. The question arises about deploying canisterized missiles under centralized command.

India might be developing most of its capabilities to counter China, yet a variety of capabilities can allow India in future to adopt an aggressive and escalation strategy towards Pakistan. India by developing these sophisticated capabilities is increasing instability in the region, since it would pressurize the neighboring nuclear states to improve the readiness of its weaponry that ultimately would increase missile proliferation and intensify the risk of escalation.

 

[prohumanity]

What I don't understand is why does India even need ICBM as far as dealing with Paki is concerned ?
The total width of Paki is 300 miles from Eastern to western border. 75% of Paki population live in three cities, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. 80% of Paki economy is dependent on these 3 cities, rest is just mostly agricultural land.

So, my point is Prithwi missile (a lot of them ) with diffrent versions are more than enough to devastate these 3 population and economic centers .....not once but multiple times....if a major war happens.
Lahore does not even need Prithwi...Lahore is just 70 miles from Indian border.

A massive attack with rain of thousands of Prithwi missiles can take of Paki totally. Don't need Agni or any ICBM.
Paki will never dare to attack India...Paki knows the reality.

 

[sayareakd]

Consequently, it is argued by many analysts that India is moving from its minimal deterrent posture to higher state of readiness and war-fighting capabilities. It also underestimates the widely recognized statement that India has a centralized command and control system. The question arises about deploying canisterized missiles under centralized command.

India might be developing most of its capabilities to counter China, yet a variety of capabilities can allow India in future to adopt an aggressive and escalation strategy towards Pakistan. India by developing these sophisticated capabilities is increasing instability in the region, since it would pressurize the neighboring nuclear states to improve the readiness of its weaponry that ultimately would increase missile proliferation and intensify the risk of escalation.

Pakistanis have inferiority complex, when it comes to India, A5 is not even related to them, still they feel threatened.

Yeah we are already moving from separated nukes and missiles to hair trigger mode, specially with canister A5 and ATVs SLBMs. Already old order of 48 A5 on road mobile have completed and we have moved to next phase. I wont be surprised if few missile silos with A5 are found.

Also i saw Agni missile trains with 4-5 size of different designs. So our deterrence has already mature to next stage. These Agni missile trains will have 4-5 missiles per train and all the necessary equipments including mobile weather station.

What I don't understand is why does India even need ICBM as far as dealing with Paki is concerned ?
The total width of Paki is 300 miles from Eastern to western border. 75% of Paki population live in three cities, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. 80% of Paki economy is dependent on these 3 cities, rest is just mostly agricultural land.

So, my point is Prithwi missile (a lot of them ) with diffrent versions are more than enough to devastate these 3 population and economic centers .....not once but multiple times....if a major war happens.
Lahore does not even need Prithwi...Lahore is just 70 miles from Indian border.

A massive attack with rain of thousands of Prithwi missiles can take of Paki totally. Don't need Agni or any ICBM.
Paki will never dare to attack India...Paki knows the reality.

yeah true Prithvis are enough for them. As per previous SFC Chief for Pakistani cities they have only handful targets, rest all are military targets.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

What I don't understand is why does India even need ICBM as far as dealing with Paki is concerned ?.

India has always said AGNI ICBM is China specific if pak feels threatened by it ,
let them.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Pakistanis have inferiority complex, when it comes to India, A5 is not even related to them, still they feel threatened.

Yeah we are already moving from separated nukes and missiles to hair trigger mode, specially with canister A5 and ATVs SLBMs. Already old order of 48 A5 on road mobile have completed and we have moved to next phase. I wont be surprised if few missile silos with A5 are found.

Also i saw Agni missile trains with 4-5 size of different designs. So our deterrence has already mature to next stage. These Agni missile trains will have 4-5 missiles per train and all the necessary equipments including mobile weather station.




yeah true Prithvis are enough for them. As per previous SFC Chief for Pakistani cities they have only handful targets, rest all are military targets.

I would say that the few thousand Brahmsos (nuclear warhead version and non nuclear)are more than enough for pak

 

[sayareakd]

I would say that the few thousand Brahmsos (nuclear warhead version and non nuclear)are more than enough for pak

we have tested about 130-140 prithvis so far,if all have nukes it would be enough for two Pakistans

 

[LETHALFORCE]

we have tested about 130-140 prithvis so far,if all have nukes it would be enough for two Pakistans

Once a MIRV SLBM (k-15?)is inducted the triad will be at the same level as all the P5 nations.


http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/indias-undersea-deterrent/

India’s Undersea Deterrent

 

[nongaddarliberal]

Forming a proper nuclear triad also requires a decent number of warheads. For the past 10 years or so, every think tank has been estimating that we have 100-120 nukes. But how is that possible? We probably have a lot more than that now, since we wouldn't have just stopped making warheads.

For a proper nuclear triad, I think we would need at least 250 warheads.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...ease-report/story-nmZt1ftciL78AuB73xlRBM.html

India’s nuclear-weapon inventory set to increase

 

[captscooby81]

If you see the above post of @sayareakd he is clearly saying the A5 old order itself around 50 TELs and few more Hardened Silos so we can assume there might be easily around 60-70 A5 alone and if we take A4,A3,A2, SLBM K-15 & K4 then these all put together we might have crossed that 120 figure long ago ..If my guessing is not wrong we might be having nothing less than 300 Warheads and counting ...

Forming a proper nuclear triad also requires a decent number of warheads. For the past 10 years or so, every think tank has been estimating that we have 100-120 nukes. But how is that possible? We probably have a lot more than that now, since we wouldn't have just stopped making warheads.

For a proper nuclear triad, I think we would need at least 250 warheads.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

http://www.css.ethz.ch/en/services/...cle.html/ecd9ffa5-eee6-4d12-8203-f1358232b094

A Triangular MIRV Restraint Regime in Southern Asia

 

[lupgain]

http://www.css.ethz.ch/en/services/...cle.html/ecd9ffa5-eee6-4d12-8203-f1358232b094

A Triangular MIRV Restraint Regime in Southern Asia

Above article is a must read for all those who claim them to be experts of defence and strategic force. Author has to tried to put some sanity and humanity in 3 nuclear powered nations in South Asia.

One thing is for sure that Current Indian govt won't stop until they test MIRV enabled AGNI VI with extended range > 10000 kms and even China should understand that India needs to Update and Upgrade its minimum deterrence capabilities. Then troika of (CHN, IND & PAK) can sit across table and decide upon restraining their MIRV capabilities. Until then it would be unfair level playing grounds for all 3 to sit and discuss about control of nuclear arms race.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...indias-n-strike-zone/articleshow/62561943.cms

Entire China could soon be within India’s N-strike zone


Though the DRDO has often proclaimed it can develop missiles with strike ranges of 10,000km to match the Chinese DF-31A (11,200km) and DF-41 (14,500km) missiles, the Indian defence establishment believes Agni-V is sufficient to take care of existing threat perceptions. There is, however, interest in ongoing DRDO work on developing "manoeuvring warheads or intelligent reentry vehicles" to defeat enemy ballistic missile defence systems, as well as MIRVs (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles) for the Agni missiles. An MIRV payload means one missile can carry several warheads, each for different targets.

 

[HariPrasad-1]

we have tested about 130-140 prithvis so far,if all have nukes it would be enough for two Pakistans

130-140?

It is just too much.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

http://time.com/5109261/india-china-agni-5-missile-test/

India's Ballistic Missile Test Is a 'Direct Threat,' a Chinese State-Owned Newspaper Says