DRDO Working On Agni-5 'Bunker Buster' Missile To Counter US Strike Power

In a significant leap forward for India's military capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a new variant of the Agni-5 ballistic missile, designed to carry a massive 7,500-kilogram conventional bunker-buster warhead. The project marks a strategic shift as India looks to bolster its conventional strike capabilities amidst rising global tensions and evolving threats.

This updated version of the Agni-5 is non-nuclear and is aimed at neutralising deeply buried, fortified enemy installations - a move inspired by recent developments, including the United States' deployment of the GBU-57/A Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) against Iran's Fordow nuclear facility on June 22.

Two New Agni-5 Variants in Development

According to sources, two new conventional variants of the Agni-5 are under active development:

Airburst Variant: Designed for above-ground targets, dispersing destructive force across a wide area.

Bunker-Buster Variant: Equipped to penetrate up to 100 metres underground before detonation, ideal for destroying hardened underground bunkers and military infrastructure.

These new models will reportedly carry payloads that match or surpass the capabilities of U.S. weapons like the GBU-57, offering India a cutting-edge solution for targeting highly secure enemy locations in conflict scenarios.

Range and Payload Enhancements

Unlike the original Agni-5, which boasts an intercontinental range of over 5,000 km and is primarily designed for nuclear delivery, the new variants will have a reduced range of approximately 2,500 km. However, they compensate with much larger warheads, possibly weighing up to eight tons, making them some of the most powerful conventional missiles in the world.

These improvements are expected to provide precise and devastating strikes against military installations in neighbouring countries, including China and Pakistan, especially in mountainous or fortified terrain.

Hypersonic Speed and Delivery Method

One of the most striking features of these new Agni-5 versions is their anticipated hypersonic speed, potentially reaching Mach 8 to Mach 20, similar to top-tier American systems. However, unlike the U.S., which relies on large bombers to deliver such heavy munitions, India's missile-based delivery method is more agile, cost-effective, and less vulnerable to interception.

This strategic choice could reshape regional military doctrines, providing India with a first-strike or counterforce capability using conventional weapons, without crossing the nuclear threshold.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The DRDO's efforts come amid India's larger push for defence self-reliance under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. By developing such advanced missile systems indigenously, India aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence suppliers while increasing its deterrent power and military readiness.

Experts believe this development could shift the balance of power in South Asia, as India becomes one of the few nations with the capability to deploy deep-penetration conventional weapons that rival the U.S.'s GBU-57 and GBU-43 (MOAB), famously dubbed the "Mother of All Bombs."

A New Era in Conventional Warfare

The upcoming Agni-5 bunker-buster missile is expected to play a crucial role in targeting underground command centres, nuclear facilities, missile silos, and deep shelters-all while avoiding the diplomatic fallout associated with nuclear weapons use.

As geopolitical tensions rise globally, India's ability to deliver powerful, precision conventional strikes represents a significant enhancement of its military toolkit-and a clear message that it is ready to meet emerging threats with technological innovation and strategic foresight.