Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 30: India is fast-tracking the development of an advanced variant of its Agni missile system designed to carry bunker-buster warheads capable of targeting heavily fortified underground enemy assets. This strategic push follows the reported success of recent US strikes on Iran’s deeply buried nuclear infrastructure, which have highlighted the growing relevance of such high-penetration munitions in modern warfare.
Unlike the American GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs deployed by stealth bombers, India's approach will rely on a missile-based delivery system, using a modified Agni-5 platform. This shift not only enhances operational reach and flexibility but also significantly reduces deployment costs, as it eliminates the need for expensive stealth aircraft.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly working on adapting the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile — known for its 5,000+ km range and nuclear capability — to carry a 7,500 kg conventional warhead. This new payload is specifically engineered to breach hardened enemy facilities buried 80 to 100 metres underground, protected by reinforced concrete. Targets could include command centres, missile silos, and critical military infrastructure.
Two distinct Agni variants are currently under development: one tailored for airburst strikes to neutralize surface-level military assets like tank battalions and runways, and the other for deep-penetration strikes on subterranean targets, mimicking the role of the US’s Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
Due to the massive weight of the new warheads, the range of these Agni variants is expected to be reduced to around 2,500 km. However, defence experts believe this is adequate for regional strategic scenarios and allows India to effectively target hardened facilities in its near neighbourhood.
The new missiles are also being developed as hypersonic delivery systems, projected to reach speeds between Mach 8 and Mach 20. Such velocities not only ensure rapid strike capabilities but also make interception by enemy air defences exceedingly difficult.
As India seeks to upgrade its conventional deterrence alongside its nuclear arsenal, these advanced bunker-busting capabilities could add a potent edge to its strategic missile force, especially in scenarios involving high-value enemy installations deeply embedded in hostile terrain.