Bad News for Pakistan, China, India develops 'Bunker Buster' Version of Agni-5 Missile, it can destroy..., capable of carrying..
DRDO News: With an aim to take India's defense capabilities to new heights, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working relentlessly on an advanced version of the Agni-5 missile. According to the reports, this upgraded Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is being developed as a 'bunker buster' variant. The missile will be able to penetrate reinforced concrete structures as deep as 80–100 metres, carrying a massive conventional warhead weighing 7,500 kilograms. It will strengthen India's strategic posture—particularly against neighbors like Pakistan and China, who possess deeply buried military facilities.
The missile is inspired by the US military's use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) against Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While the US relies on B-2 stealth bombers for delivery, India is focusing on a missile-based delivery system, which is more cost-effective, faster, and flexible. Agni-5 Missile: Here are some of the key features The new variant will have a 2,500 km range and will carry a conventional bunker-buster warhead.
This missile will travel at hypersonic speeds (Mach 8–20), making it capable of evading ballistic missile defense systems.
DRDO is developing two variants: one equipped with an airburst warhead to destroy large surface areas, and another designed to target deep bunkers, missile silos, and command centers. Bad News for Pakistan:
It is important to note that the Agni-5 Missile will give a new dimension to India's defense policy. These missiles are well capable of destroying deep bunkers and nuclear sites in areas like Pakistan's Kirana Hills and China's Hotan. During Operation Sindoor, India destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK with BrahMos and SCALP missiles, demonstrating India's expertise in precision strikes—but the bunker-buster variant of Agni-5 will make these strikes even more lethal.
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India.com
5 hours ago
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13 hours ago
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"Inspiring visionary": PM Modi pays homage to former President APJ Abdul Kalam on 10th death anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to former President APJ Abdul Kalam , popularly known as the "Missile Man" on his 10th death anniversary on Sunday. In a post on social media X, the Prime Minister wrote that Kalam was remembered as an "inspiring visionary", an outstanding scientist, mentor and a great patriot. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Finance Degree MCA Design Thinking Leadership Digital Marketing Cybersecurity Healthcare Data Science PGDM Others Public Policy healthcare Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Technology CXO Project Management Operations Management Data Science others Product Management MBA Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details The thoughts of "Missile Man" motivated the youth of India to contribute towards building a developed and strong country, the Prime Minister said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Car Novels Undo "On his death anniversary, we pay homage to our beloved former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He is remembered as an inspiring visionary, an outstanding scientist, a mentor and a great patriot. His dedication to our nation was exemplary. His thoughts motivate the youth of India to contribute towards building a developed and strong India," PM Modi's post read. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), widely known as the " Missile Man of India ," was an eminent scientist and the 11th President of India (2002-2007). Born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a humble family, Kalam rose through sheer hard work and determination. Live Events Kalam made a significant contribution as Project Director to develop India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully injected the Rohini satellite into near-earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of the Space Club. He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO 's launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration. He was responsible for the development and operationalisation of AGNI and PRITHVI Missiles and for building indigenous capability in critical technologies through the networking of multiple institutions. Beyond his scientific contributions, Kalam was deeply passionate about inspiring the youth of India. He authored several influential books such as " Wings of Fire ," "Ignited Minds," and " India 2020 ," all centred around dreaming big and building a stronger nation. Kalam passed away on July 27, 2015.
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On July 27, 2015, India lost a visionary and leader in APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'Missile Man,'who collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He passed away at 83; a moment that united an entire nation in grief and gratitude for his scientific legacy and inspirational life read more Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam arrives to caste his ballot at a polling station in New Delhi, May 10, 2004. File Image/Reuters As part of Firstpost's History Today series, July 27 has witnessed pivotal moments — from the passing of India's beloved 'Missile Man' APJ Abdul Kalam in 2015, to acts of terror and peacemaking on the world stage, and deep racial conflict in America. APJ Abdul Kalam passes away On July 27, 2015, India lost one of its most beloved and respected figures — Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and a pioneering aerospace scientist. Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. He was 83. His sudden demise marked the end of an era that transcended science, education, public service and spiritual thought. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam came from modest beginnings. His father was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, and young Kalam helped supplement the family income by selling newspapers. Despite financial constraints, he showed an early curiosity for learning and was especially drawn to mathematics and physics. After completing his schooling in Ramanathapuram, Kalam went on to study physics at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and then aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He narrowly missed becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force — he was ranked 9th while only 8 slots were available — but fate had bigger plans for him. Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and then the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in 1969. At ISRO, he was project director of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in 1980 — a defining moment in India's space history. His contributions became even more prominent when he rejoined DRDO and spearheaded India's missile development programme under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This earned him the moniker 'Missile Man of India.' Notable missiles like Agni and Prithvi were developed under his leadership. Kalam played a pivotal role in India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran-II. As the chief scientific adviser to the Prime Minister and the head of the DRDO at the time, he was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the tests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From left to right, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes, India's 'missile man' APJ Abdul Kalam and Atomic Energy chief R Chidambaram display the victory symbol during a visit to the Shakti 1 test site, where India tested nuclear device in Pokhran. File Image/AP The successful detonation marked India as a nuclear weapons state and significantly altered its global strategic posture. The Pokhran-II tests also cemented Kalam's status as a national hero. His ability to bridge scientific innovation with national policy was rare and essential at a time when India sought to assert itself globally. In 2002, Abdul Kalam was elected the 11th President of India with support across party lines. He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan. During his tenure, Kalam brought a refreshing change to the ceremonial office, converting it into an active platform for outreach and youth engagement. He earned the sobriquet 'People's President' due to his simplicity, accessibility and dedication to citizens — especially students. Kalam made it a priority to meet with young people, listen to their aspirations, and encourage innovation and education. An Indian army officer (L) points towards the Line of Control (LoC) as Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam (2nd-L), Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Syed and V G. Patankar, chief of Indian army in Kashmir, look during their visit to the LoC in the Uri sector, 102 kms (63 miles) west of Srinagar, June 28, 2003. File Image/Reuters After his presidency, Kalam did not retire from public life. He became a visiting professor at multiple institutions including IIM Shillong, IIM Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also authored several influential books such as Wings of Fire, India 2020, Ignited Minds, and My Journey — many of which became bestsellers and were translated into numerous languages. Kalam was a strong advocate for India's development through knowledge, science, and technological self-reliance. His vision of India as a developed nation by 2020, although not fully realised, continues to inspire developmental discourse. On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture titled 'Creating a Liveable Planet Earth' at IIM Shillong, Kalam collapsed at around 6:30 pm. He was rushed to Bethany Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a sudden cardiac arrest. News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across India and abroad. The Government of India declared a seven-day state mourning. His body was flown to his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was laid to rest with full state honours. Over 350,000 people attended his funeral, including political leaders, scientists and common citizens. Kalam's impact on India — and indeed, the world — transcended his technical achievements. He symbolised the power of education, the importance of hard work, and the potential of a visionary mind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among his numerous accolades are the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian honour), the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan. He received honorary doctorates from more than 40 universities worldwide. His birthday, October 15, is now observed as World Students' Day in many institutions, and India's DRDO has named its missile complex in Hyderabad the 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.' His house in Rameswaram was converted into the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and inaugurated in 2017. Globally, he was remembered as a symbol of peace and development. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is felicitated by former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam during celebration of his 74th birthday in New Delhi, July 6, 2009. File Image/Reuters Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called him a 'great statesman and visionary,' while Nasa scientists lauded his commitment to science diplomacy. His quotes like — 'Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action' — are widely circulated in classrooms and textbooks. In an age of growing cynicism and division, Kalam remains a rare unifying figure. He was admired across the ideological spectrum — by conservatives, liberals, nationalists, and progressives alike. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kalam once said, 'If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.' Olympic terror: Centennial Park bombing On July 27, 1996, a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta during a free concert, killing 44-year-old Alice Hawthorne, causing the death of Turkish cameraman Melih Uzunyol (via heart attack), and injuring 111 others. Investigators inspecting the scene at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, where a pipe bomb exploded on July 27, 1996, disrupting the Summer Olympic Games. File Image/AP The bomber — Eric Robert Rudolph, a white supremacist extremist — later admitted responsibility, linking the act to opposition against abortion and globalism. He was captured in 2003 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2005. Security guard Richard Jewell was initially hailed a hero, then wrongfully accused — a saga prompting FBI reforms and legal action by Jewell. The event shifted Olympic security, highlighting vulnerabilities in mass gatherings and civilian safety protocols. Armistice ends Korean War After nearly three years of intense conflict beginning June 25, 1950, the Korean War armistice was signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. US, North Korean, and Chinese forces convened, reaching a ceasefire effective at 10:00 am (signing) and formal cessation by 10:00 pm that night. UN delegate Lieut. Gen. William K. Harrison, Jr. (seated left), and Korean People's Army and Chinese People's Volunteers delegate Gen. Nam Il (seated right) signing the Korean War armistice agreement at P'anmunjŏm, Korea, July 27, 1953. Image/US Department of Defense The accord established the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) near the 38th parallel and highlighted prisoner repatriation via a Neutral Nations Commission. Although the armistice halted active conflict, no formal peace treaty was signed — leaving North and South Korea technically at war. The DMZ has remained one of the world's most fortified and enduring cold war legacies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chicago race riot of 1919 ignites On July 27, 1919, racial tensions in Chicago erupted when 17-year-old Eugene Williams, an African-American, was struck and drowned after crossing an informal race line on Lake Michigan's South Side beach. White beach-goers had stoned him, triggering outrage. Over the following week, violence rocked Chicago — the dead included 38 (23 Black, 15 white), and more than 537 were injured. Image Credit: Chicago History Museum Property damage exceeded 1,000 homes, and Black residents retaliated following a lack of police protection. It became one of the bloodiest episodes of the Red Summer of 1919, illustrating systemic racism, segregation and the upheaval driven by the Great Migration — urban Black veterans resisting entrenched oppression. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
