DRDO Successfully Tests 'Agni-VI' Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Agni-VI ICBM.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India successfully test-fired the Agni-VI Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on May 7, 2026.
- The Agni-VI, developed by DRDO, has a range exceeding 8,000 kilometers.
- It is capable of carrying Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
- The test was conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- This achievement places India among nations with ICBM capabilities.
- The Agni-VI enhances India's strategic deterrence and national security.
- It aligns with India's 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' and 'No-First-Use' policies.
- The Agni-VI is the most advanced missile in the Agni series, developed since the 1980s.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 4–8 | UPSC focuses on strategic aspects: defence policy, Indo-Pacific, border issues, and bilateral defence deals. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | Defence acquisitions, military exercises, and appointments appear in SSC GK. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | High | 3–5 | Army, Navy, and Air Force current events are regularly tested in Railway GK. |
Key Facts to Remember: DRDO Successfully Tests 'Agni-VI' Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
- India successfully test-fired the Agni-VI Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on May 7, 2026.
- The Agni-VI, developed by DRDO, has a range exceeding 8,000 kilometers.
- It is capable of carrying Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
- The test was conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- This achievement places India among nations with ICBM capabilities.
- The Agni-VI enhances India's strategic deterrence and national security.
- It aligns with India's 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' and 'No-First-Use' policies.
- The Agni-VI is the most advanced missile in the Agni series, developed since the 1980s.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which organization successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Agni-VI ICBM?
- ISRO
- HAL
- DRDO
- BEL
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is responsible for the development and testing of India's strategic missile systems, including the Agni series.
Q2. What is the approximate range of the Agni-VI ICBM?
- 4,000 kilometers
- 5,500 kilometers
- 8,000 kilometers
- 10,000 kilometers
Explanation: The Agni-VI has demonstrated a range exceeding 8,000 kilometers, classifying it as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
Q3. What advanced capability does the Agni-VI missile possess, allowing it to strike multiple targets?
- Single Warhead Reentry Vehicle (SRV)
- Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs)
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV)
- Cruise Missile Technology
Explanation: The Agni-VI is equipped with MIRV technology, which enables a single missile to carry and deploy multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of hitting a different target.
Q4. From where was the Agni-VI ICBM successfully test-fired?
- Pokhran, Rajasthan
- Chandipur, Odisha
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
- BrahMos Launch Complex, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The maiden flight test of the Agni-VI was conducted from the integrated test range on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha.
Q5. The development of the Agni-VI ICBM significantly enhances India's strategic deterrence under which policy?
- First-Strike Capability
- Limited Nuclear Retaliation
- Credible Minimum Deterrence
- Pre-emptive Nuclear Strike
Explanation: The Agni-VI's advanced capabilities bolster India's policy of 'Credible Minimum Deterrence', ensuring a survivable and effective nuclear arsenal to deter any potential aggression.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams — DRDO Successfully Tests 'Agni-VI' Intercontinenta…
For every military exercise, note: India + Partner country + Purpose (bilateral or multilateral). Questions are pattern-based.
Defence indigenization ('Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence') is a high-priority topic for 2025–26. Focus on systems developed by DRDO or HAL.
Chiefs of defence services change periodically. Always keep the current CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Chief up to date.
Related Current Affairs
Test Your Knowledge on Today's Current Affairs
10 questions · 10 minutes · Based on today's GK updates. See how prepared you really are.
Start Daily Quiz