MISSILE SCIENTIST

Russia's nuclear arsenal: How big is it, and who controls it?

Vladimir Putin's warning about Russia's nuclear readiness has sparked global concern. With the world's largest nuclear warhead stockpile at about 5,580 warheads, Russia's nuclear policy allows their use in response to attacks using nuclear or other mass destruction weapons, or when conventional weapons threaten Russia's existence. While Russia has not tested nuclear weapons since 1991, Putin's signing a law to withdraw from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty indicates a willingness to resume testing. The president holds sole authority over nuclear weapon use, facilitated by the "Cheget" briefcase, a communication tool for nuclear launch orders.

'Divya Putri' Sheena Rani: Meet the brain behind India's deadliest weapon Agni-V MIRV

India has achieved a significant milestone in defense with the successful test of the Agni-5 missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. R Sheena Rani, known as 'Divya Putri' (Divine Daughter), leads the project, showcasing her expertise in missile technology. Her dedication has been crucial in developing the Agni-5, enhancing India's strategic deterrence capabilities. Inspired by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Rani's leadership underscores India's technological advancement in missile technology, ensuring national security and global recognition.

Here's how Agni-5 Divyastra can fool the enemy by delivering multiple nuclear warheads

India's recent test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology demonstrates its commitment to enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities. The test highlighted the complexity of MIRV technology and India's intent to strengthen its nuclear deterrence against China. With China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, India's pursuit of MIRV technology and survivable second-strike capabilities is crucial for maintaining regional stability.

"Country is now prepared for everything": Ex-Air Marshal SB Deo after first flight test of Agni-5 missile

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the development of the Agni-5 MIRV missile, developed by DRDO for over a decade. The missile, which can carry 2-10 nuclear warheads, has taken its first flight, sending a clear message that India is prepared for anything. The launch of the missile, which has been in the elite list of nations with Agni-V MIRV technology, is seen as a significant step towards India's strategic deterrence.

India tests hard-to-beat nuclear missile with multiple warheads

India successfully test fired the new version of its long-range Agni-V nuclear missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The missile has indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages. The MIRV capability increases the survivability of a nuclear missile. India has a no-first use policy for nuclear weapons.

India joins the elite list of nations with test of Agni-V MIRV tech: What's MIRV tech? How is it unique?

A Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) payload enables ballistic missiles to carry multiple warheads, each capable of targeting different objectives. While primarily associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles, this concept extends to various missile types. Currently, MIRV systems are confirmed to be deployed by major nuclear powers like US, Russia.

Mission Divyastra: PM Modi congratulates DRDO for 1st flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile through MIRV tech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended DRDO scientists for the successful first flight test of the Agni-5 missile featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. In a social media post, he expressed pride in DRDO's achievement, referring to the mission as "Divyastra." The Agni-5 missile, equipped with MIRV technology, enhances India's strategic capabilities in deploying multiple warheads independently to various targets.

PM Modi lauds DRDO for successful test of Agni-5 with MIRV tech

China's rapidly expanding nuclear weapon stockpile remains opaque

Chinese military spokesmen have neither confirmed nor denied the expansion of the ICBM force, and the authors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists chapter on China acknowledged the opacity of the PLARF: "Analyzing and estimating China's nuclear forces is a challenging endeavor, particularly given the relative lack of state-originating data and the tight control of messaging surrounding the country's nuclear arsenal and doctrine." Beijing has never officially revealed warhead numbers, and its opacity regarding its nuclear capability is legendary.

North Korea tests more cruise missiles as leader Kim calls for war readiness

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the US and South Korean militaries were analyzing the launches, which were the North's fourth round of cruise missile tests in 2024. There was no immediate information on the exact number of missiles fired or how far they flew.

Prominent Chinese rocket scientist expelled from top advisory body as part of purge of PLA's missile force

China expels Wang Xiaojun, prominent rocket scientist, from CPPCC Standing Committee for corruption. Wang led development of Long March 7 rockets and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. Expulsion follows probe into corruption allegations against People's Liberation Army Rocket Force officials. Last month, nine senior generals, including Rocket Force officials, were dismissed from NPC. Anti-corruption drive led to downfall of several senior commanders in Rocket Force. Over a million officials punished in Xi's anti-corruption campaign.

North Korea signals confrontation, no signs of war preparation

Despite increased provocations by North Korea, including advancements in ballistic missile development and strengthened ties with Russia, U.S. and South Korean officials see no imminent military threat. Analysts suggest North Korea may continue provocative actions but disagree on the possibility of immediate war. While some argue that Kim Jong Un has strategically decided to go to war, others emphasize the lack of readiness and posture for war. The political landscape remains complex, with speculation fueled by North Korea's evolving strategic thinking and potential domestic economic priorities for Kim.

UK successfully tests groundbreaking laser technology to neutralize drones in cost-effective way

UK scientists achieve a milestone in modern warfare with DragonFire, a GBP 30 million laser technology program successfully intercepting drones off the Scottish coast. The groundbreaking high-power laser system, cost-effective and precise, eliminates the need for expensive missiles. Despite challenges, including atmospheric interference, the UK defense ministry accelerates development for deployment on war vessels in 5-10 years. This promising advancement reflects a potential revolution in military strategies, reshaping the future of warfare.

DRDO should emerge as world leader in exporting weapon systems: Union minister Ajay Bhatt

​​Bhatt witnessed the display of the missile systems and the enabling critical technologies indigenously developed by DRDO scientists. He congratulated all DRDO scientists for the recent successful missions including AGNI-PRIME, AKASH, AKASH-NG, VSHORADS, PRALAY, etc, the release said. He complimented the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex for indigenising various state-of-the-art technologies and for strengthening the defence industrial base in the country in line with the national goal 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', it said.

DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieves success with the New Generation AKASH missile, intercepting and destroying a high-speed unmanned aerial target at low altitude. The comprehensive test validates the complete weapon system's functionality, including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker and radar. The AKASH-NG system's capability to intercept agile aerial threats is confirmed, prompting Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to commend the achievement. The Akash missile, in service for over a decade, garners international interest, with potential orders from Southeast Asia and the Middle East following successful trials.

Exercise Astrashakti: Indian Akash air defence missile system destroys 4 targets simultaneously

India has demonstrated the firepower of its Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system during the Air Force Exercise Astrashakti 2023. A single firing unit engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets simultaneously, marking the first time India has demonstrated this capability using command guidance. The Akash weapon system, developed by DRDO, has been deployed by the Indian Air Force and Army for the last decade.

North Korea's Kim says satellite launch was exercise of right to self-defence

North Korea's Kim Jong Un defends the spy satellite launch as self-defense, asserting its global strike capability. The launch violates UN resolutions, drawing international condemnation. Kim lauds scientists, stressing the satellite's importance for self-defense against perceived threats. Celebrations ensue, showcasing Kim's family and engineers. South Korea suspects Russian technical aid in the launch amid growing North Korea-Russia ties. The satellite's functionality remains under assessment after entering orbit, as stated by South Korean officials.

Pakistan successfully conducts training launch of Ghauri Weapon System

Pakistan has successfully conducted a training launch of the Ghauri Weapon System, following the recent flight test of the Ababeel Weapon System. The purpose of the launch was to test the operational and technical readiness of the Army Strategic Forces Command. The launch was witnessed by senior officers, scientists, and engineers. This comes after the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies for supplying missile-related items to Pakistan. China has been a major supplier of arms and defense equipment to Pakistan.

This is what it's like to maintain the US nuclear arsenal

​Because the U.S. no longer conducts explosive nuclear tests, scientists are not exactly sure how aging warhead plutonium cores affect detonation. For more common parts, like the plastics and metals and wiring inside each detonator, there are also questions about how the years spent in warheads might affect their integrity.

Pakistan has 170 nuclear warheads, may increase it to 200 by 2025: Nuclear Notebook

​​The US Defense Intelligence Agency projected in 1999 that Pakistan would have 60 to 80 warheads by 2020, but several new weapon systems have been fielded and developed since then, which leads us to a higher estimate," the Nuclear Notebook column published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on September 11 said.

Celebrating the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: A visionary president and renowned scientist

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India's 11th President and a brilliant scientist, played a vital role in India's missile technology, designing the Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles, and developing India's maiden indigenous satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-III. He passed away on July 27, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring quotes and teachings, emphasizing determination, single-minded devotion to goals, and the importance of dreaming and working hard to achieve success.

DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar was attracted to Pakistani agent 'Zara', talked about Indian missile systems: Chargesheet

​​DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar was arrested on May 3 under the Official Secrets Act and is now in judicial custody. Kurulkar and 'Zara Dasgupta' were in contact through WhatsApp as well as voice and video calls, the chargesheet said.

Russia says hypersonic missile scientists face 'very serious' treason accusations

President Vladimir Putin has boasted that Russia is the global leader in hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,250 kph) to evade enemy air defences. On Tuesday, Ukraine said it had managed to destroy six of the weapons in a single night, although Russia disputed this. Notices of academic conferences stretching back over many years show the arrested scientists were frequent participants.