India’s Agni-5 Missile to Be Upgraded with 7,500 kg Warhead for Strikes on Deep Underground Targets

India has initiated the development of a new class of advanced missiles with the capability to destroy deeply buried, fortified enemy structures. A modified version of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is being engineered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to strike hardened underground facilities, according to a report by India Today.

The standard Agni-5 missile, which already boasts a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers and carries conventional warheads, is now being upgraded to deliver a powerful 7,500 kg bunker-busting payload. This enhancement is aimed at giving the missile the ability to penetrate 80 to 100 meters beneath reinforced concrete structures, making it suitable for targeting deeply buried military installations such as missile silos and command centers.

This move comes in the wake of the U.S. military’s recent use of Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs in precision airstrikes against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Unlike the U.S., which relies on expensive heavy bombers like the B-2 to deploy such munitions, India plans to use missile-based delivery systems for greater speed, cost-efficiency, and operational flexibility.

Matching and Surpassing U.S. Capabilities

India’s defense establishment reportedly aims not only to match U.S. bunker-buster capabilities but to develop a more agile alternative. By integrating deep-penetration warheads into missile systems instead of relying on bomber aircraft, India seeks to create a high-speed, rapidly deployable, and economically viable strike option.

Two New Agni-5 Variants in the Works

According to the report, two distinct variants of the Agni-5 missile are currently in development:

• Airburst Variant: Designed to detonate above ground for targeting surface infrastructure and enemy formations.
• Penetration Variant: Designed to burrow deep into hardened underground facilities before detonation.

The upgraded warhead is expected to weigh around eight tonnes, and the range for this variant will reportedly be reduced to approximately 2,500 kilometers. Furthermore, the missiles are expected to operate at hypersonic speeds, reaching between Mach 8 and Mach 20, significantly enhancing their ability to evade enemy defenses.

This new missile system is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s strategic arsenal, enabling the country to target high-value underground enemy assets with precision and power.