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.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- DRDO successfully tests Agni-VI ICBM with a range of 8,000+ km.
- Features MIRV technology for multiple target engagement.
- Launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- Significantly boosts India's strategic deterrence and defense capability.
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. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Military exercise: name, participating countries, location, purpose
- Defence acquisition: system name, purpose, procured from which country
- Appointments: new Chief of Army Staff, CNS, CAS, and their tenures
- Indigenization: 'Made in India' defence milestones, first-ever systems
- Strategic policy: recent changes to defence export policy, FDI limits in defence
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the estimated range of the newly tested Agni-VI missile?
- 3,000 km
- 5,000 km
- 8,000+ km
- 12,000 km
Explanation: Agni-VI is an ICBM with a range exceeding 8,000 kilometers.
Q2. What does MIRV stand for in missile technology?
- Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle
- Multi-Interface Rocket Vehicle
- Mobile Integrated Radar Vessel
- Miniature Internal Rocket Valve
Explanation: MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle.
How to Prepare Defence for Government Exams
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.