Meet Sheena Rani, Scientist Behind India's Agni-5 Missile

India has successfully tested the Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, marking a momentous milestone in the nation's defense capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing the triumph as 'Mission Divyastra,' revealed that the project was led by the remarkable woman scientist, Sheena Rani, based at the Advanced Systems Laboratory of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad.

Sheena Rani, a seasoned scientist with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, played a crucial role in the development of the Agni missile systems. Her journey began in 1999, when she devoted her expertise to crafting launch control systems for the entire Agni series of missiles. A proud member of the DRDO fraternity, Sheena Rani demonstrates dedication and commitment to safeguarding India's interests.

Following the Legacy Of Agni Putri Tessy Thomas

Sheena Rani follows in the footsteps of the legendary 'Agni Putri' Tessy Thomas, a key contributor to the Agni missile series. Termed as the 'powerhouse of energy,' Rani's contributions have propelled her to the forefront of India's defense research, earning her the admiration and respect of her peers.

A trained electronics and communications engineer, Sheena Rani honed her skills at the College of Engineering in Thiruvananthapuram. With a background in computer science, she spent eight years at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), India's foremost civilian rocketry lab. Her lateral entry into DRDO after the Pokhran Nuclear Test of 1998 marked the beginning of a remarkable career dedicated to missile technology.

Drawing inspiration from India's 'Missile Man' Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Rani's career path mirrors his trajectory, starting at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Center before transitioning to DRDO. Dr. Avinash Chander, the missile technologist who led DRDO through challenging times, played a crucial  role in shaping  Rani's career. Described as "always smiling, willing to innovate," her dedication to the Agni missile program is nothing short of spectacular.

Agni-5 with MIRV Technology

The DRDO confirmed the successful flight test of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology under the banner of 'Mission Divyastra.' Launched from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, the mission achieved all its designed parameters under the expertise and precision of the DRDO scientists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the DRDO scientists, including Sheena Rani, for their commendable efforts in executing the complex Mission Divyastra. In a social media post, he expressed pride in India's technological prowess, emphasising the missile's significance as a game changer for regional  geopolitics and a force multiplier.

The first flight test of Agni V under Mission Divyastra marks a very important milestone in India’s march towards greater geo-strategic role and capabilities. The state-of-the-art technology developed indigenously is a firm step in the direction of India becoming Atmanirbhar. I…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 11, 2024

The Agni-5's MIRV technology places India in an elite league alongside the US, UK, Russia, France, and China. This state-of-the-art system allows a single missile to deploy multiple warheads, enabling simultaneous strikes on targets at different locations. The indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages ensure precise targeting, enhancing India's strategic reach within a 5,000-plus km radius.