New Delhi: DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat on Thursday said the development of the Agni-VI ballistic missile is contingent on government approval, adding that the agency is fully prepared to move forward once it receives the green signal.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Kamat stated that the decision to proceed with Agni-VI lies with the government, but confirmed that DRDO stands ready to begin work immediately upon clearance. The proposed missile is expected to be an advanced intercontinental ballistic system with extended range and enhanced capabilities over existing Agni series missiles.
Kamat also provided an update on India’s hypersonic missile programmes, noting that the long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile project has reached an advanced stage. He said initial trials of the glide missile are likely to take place soon.
He explained that India is simultaneously developing two types of hypersonic systems—glide and cruise missiles. While hypersonic cruise missiles rely on scramjet engines for sustained powered flight, glide missiles are launched using a booster and then travel unpowered at extremely high speeds. According to Kamat, the glide missile is ahead in development and expected to be tested first.
On the broader missile strategy, the DRDO chief outlined the need for a comprehensive conventional missile force comprising systems across different ranges and operational roles. He said such a force would include short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles, along with cruise and hypersonic weapons to ensure flexibility in tactical and strategic operations.
Kamat added that some systems are already nearing deployment, including the short-range ballistic missile ‘Pralay’, which is in the final stages of testing. He also indicated that certain existing strategic missiles could be modified for tactical use in medium and higher ranges.
Earlier, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh had said that India is working towards building a multi-layered conventional missile force covering varied operational requirements.
