Indian Missile News And Discussion

[osman]

We had an earlier discussion centered on the Agni V being all composite and the first stage not being composite in the Agni V reports. Taking the discussion further on that. The reason behind this decision to use a steel first stage could be one of cost and of reducing the range of Agni V to meet political objectives.



From all indication Agni III, Agni V and Agni VI are different variants of the same missile system. Agni IV being a test launch for Agni V. Agni IV is also a more critical missile with a lower atmospheric test of composite stages and composite motors in the first stage. There have been a number of indications that Agni III will be MIRV at the end of 2015. These tests are designed to provide inputs to all missiles. Dr Saraswat also noted the possibility of upgrading Agni III to Agni V standards. The objective of the Agni V test was also to ascertain the suitability of such a mixed component capability.All components of the missiles have been tested independently and have been tested as part of a larger system. The only system which has not yet been tested or publicly acknowledged is a large composite first stage for Agni VI. A large composite motor second stage was tested in Agni V. This was as acknowledged a larger version of Agni IV composite motors. What's not been disclosed is if Agni V had a composite first stage motor as well inside a steel first stage casing or if the Agni III tested earlier had such a variant. If this has indeed been tested Agni VI is already a variant which can be pushed into production. The only untested variable in the equation is a larger outer composite casing.



I suppose we will not see any additional missiles. Agni VI is the final MIRV variant which can target MIRV warheads globally. It's also the end of our IGMP and work will now move towards operational parameters and enhancements like smart warheads. Capabilities which don't exist today or have not been acknowledged to exist. I don't see the stomach for an Agni VI test from this government. These unacknowledged tests might be the only solution. An extant capability is better for display when the requirement arises. India has also made it's position clear at a politically sensitive time with the US "sanctions" on India. It's indeed a political missile MIRV Agni V. More political than we give credit for and yet restrained. I hope the architects of this Agni V test limitations will hopefully be revealed in a few years. A stratagem.