DRDO Says Fully Ready For Agni-VI As India Moves Closer To New Era Of Guided Missile Capability

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 16:49 IST

DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said the Agni-VI project remains a policy decision, but underlined that the scientific establishment is fully prepared to move ahead

India’s next-generation ballistic missile programme is poised for a major leap, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Defence Research and Development Organisation) declaring its readiness to begin work on the Agni-VI missile once the government grants formal approval.

Addressing the ANI National Security Summit, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said the Agni-VI project remains a policy decision, but underlined that the scientific establishment is fully prepared to move ahead.

“It is the government’s decision. We are ready whenever the government gives us the go-ahead," he said.

The Agni-VI is expected to be a significantly more advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, offering extended range and enhanced capabilities over existing missiles in the Agni series, marking a key step in India’s evolving strategic deterrence.

Kamat also revealed progress on India’s hypersonic weapons programmes, noting that the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM) hypersonic glide vehicle has reached an advanced stage of development, with initial trials likely in the near future.

He said India is simultaneously developing hypersonic glide and hypersonic cruise missile systems, though the glide variant is currently ahead.

Explaining the distinction, Kamat said hypersonic cruise missiles are powered throughout their flight by scramjet engines, while hypersonic glide missiles rely on a booster for initial speed before gliding unpowered to their targets.

“The glide missile will come out first. We should be doing the first trials fairly soon," he added.

On the concept of a conventional missile force, which is still under deliberation, Kamat said India would require a diverse mix of capabilities.

This would include short-, medium- and longer-range ballistic missiles, potentially up to 2,000 kilometres, alongside cruise and hypersonic missiles to meet varied tactical and operational requirements.

Highlighting current preparedness, he said the short-range ballistic missile Pralay is in the final stages of testing and nearing readiness for induction.

He added that some existing strategic missile systems could also be adapted for tactical roles at medium and higher ranges.

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