India's latest victory in defence technology signals a notable milestone, as the Agni-5 missile, integrated with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technologies, undergoes a successful test. Leading this pioneering accomplishment is R Sheena Rani, fondly referred to as 'Missile Rani', recognised for her pivotal leadership in driving the advancement of this sophisticated missile system.
R Sheena Rani, a 57-year-old expert in missile technology, holds the position of Programme Director at the Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) within the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). Her journey in this field commenced in 1999, following her tenure at DRDO after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Since then, she has been an indispensable asset to the Agni missile program, making significant contributions to its development and various advancements.
Recalling the historic first test-fire of Agni-5 on April 19, 2012, Rani shared her anticipation, stating, "There were butterflies in my stomach as we prepared for the launch. But I really did not anticipate the delirium among the common public." Her expertise as an electronics and communications engineer played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this monumental event.
Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Rani's path was shaped by hardship following the unexpected loss of her father during her high school years. Raised solely by her mother, she attributes her as the primary source of strength in her life. Rani pursued her engineering studies at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) and later spent eight years at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre before joining DRDO.
Gratefully acknowledging her mother's steadfast support, Rani underscored, "My mother is the true bedrock of support in my life and that of my sister."
Rani's dedication and smart leadership helped develop the Agni-5 missile, which has many nuclear warheads. This makes India's borders safer and shows the world how strong our defence is. With MIRV technology, one missile can now carry many warheads, making our country even safer.
Rani finds inspiration in India's 'Missile Man', former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, crediting much of her success to his visionary guidance. She also acknowledges the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Avinash Chander, a renowned missile technologist. Rani's husband, PSRS. Sastry, who shares her passion for missile technology, has been a constant source of support and inspiration.
During her time at DRDO, Rani received numerous awards, including the prestigious "Scientist of the Year award" in 2016, which recognised her outstanding contributions to defence technology.
India's recent test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology puts it among top countries like the US, UK, Russia, France, and China. This shows how good India is at making missiles and how serious it is about defence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the scientists at DRDO for their hard work. He said they did a great job making the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, which is very important for India's defence.
The MIRV payload allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of targeting separate objectives, thereby maximising India's deterrent capabilities. With indigenous avionics systems and high-precision sensor packages, the Agni-5 ensures accurate delivery of re-entry vehicles to designated targets, further enhancing India's strategic advantage.
R Sheena Rani's leadership and DRDO's continuous effort to innovate in missile technology show how serious India is about protecting itself and its interests. The successful test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology is a big step forward in India's defence, proving its strength globally. As India keeps improving its technology, visionaries like Missile Rani will continue to play a vital role in shaping the country's defence future.