Bharat celebrated a significant milestone as it successfully tested the Agni-5 missile equipped with multiple warheads, an accomplishment heralded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘Mission Divyastra’. Leading this groundbreaking project was Sheena Rani, a distinguished scientist from Hyderabad’s missile complex, who has devoted over two decades to Bharat’s defence research agency.
Affectionately dubbed Divya Putri, Rani’s tenure marks a quarter-century of remarkable contributions to Bharat’s defence sector. Her leadership in developing the Agni series of missiles, particularly the Agni-5 with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, has garnered widespread acclaim.
A veteran of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Rani is renowned for her expertise in electronics, communications, and computer science. Her journey began at the College of Engineering in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by eight years at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), before joining DRDO after the Pokhran Nuclear test of 1998.
Inspired by luminaries like Agni Putri Tessy Thomas and Bharat’s Missile Man Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Rani’s dedication to the Agni missile program mirrors her role models’ illustrious careers. Her husband, PSRS Sastry, a fellow DRDO missile expert, has contributed significantly to Bharat’s defence endeavours.
The recent successful flight test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, conducted under Mission Divyastra, underscores Bharat’s technological prowess and strategic capabilities. PM Modi appreciated the DRDO scientists involved, acknowledging their pivotal role in this complex mission.
With its MIRV capabilities, the Agni-5 stands as a game-changer in regional geopolitics, enhancing Bharat’s deterrent capabilities and bolstering national security. This indigenous achievement places India in the elite League of Nations possessing MIRV technology, reinforcing its status as a formidable force in global defence.
The Agni-5’s MIRV payload empowers Bharat to effectively target adversaries across vast distances, ensuring maximum impact with a single missile launch. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems and high-precision sensors, this weapon system epitomises Bharat’s strides in indigenous defence technology.
As Bharat joins the ranks of nations with MIRV-capable missiles, Rani’s leadership and the collective efforts of DRDO scientists mark a significant leap forward in the nation’s defence capabilities, affirming its position as a key player in the global security landscape.
