DRDO says Agni VI missile ready for approval India moves closer to strategic strength
DRDO has said that the upcoming Agni VI ballistic missile programme is fully prepared and will move forward once the government grants approval, marking a significant step in India’s long-range strategic capabilities.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat confirmed that all preparatory work for the missile system has been completed. He added that the organisation is ready to begin execution as soon as the formal clearance is received.
The Agni VI is expected to be the most advanced missile in the Agni series, designed to significantly extend range and enhance performance, strengthening India’s strategic deterrence posture.
Kamat also highlighted major progress in India’s hypersonic weapons programme, particularly the hypersonic glide missile under development. He said early trials of the glide system are expected soon and that it is currently ahead of the cruise missile variant in development.
Explaining the technology, he noted that the glide system uses a booster for initial launch before travelling without propulsion, while the cruise variant relies on a scramjet engine throughout its flight.
He further stated that India is working on building a multi-layered conventional missile force, combining short, medium, and long-range systems along with cruise and hypersonic capabilities. Some systems, such as the Pralay missile, are in advanced stages and may soon be inducted into service.
The Agni VI, a proposed intercontinental ballistic missile, is expected to have a range of around 6,000 to 10,000 kilometres and may include advanced MIRV capability, allowing multiple warheads on a single missile.
Once approved, it will represent a major addition to India’s long-range defence arsenal, reinforcing its strategic deterrence and technological advancement in missile systems.
