India has recently successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable, intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni 5, that has a range of over 5,000km or the ability to reach northernmost China. The state-of-the-art surface-to-surface missile was test fired successfully from the launch complex 4 of the Integrated Test Range from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island off Odisha coast.
With this induction, India now joins the super exclusive club of countries with ICBMs (missiles with a range of over 5,000-5,500km) alongside the US, Russia, China, France and the UK.
“All the test parameters of the missile, which was tested for its full range, were successfully achieved. The missile splashed down near Australian waters,” said an official.
The Indian Army said the successful test fire of the missile would give a fillip to India’s defence technology. “This launch will enhance India’s nuclear and missile deterrent value in the entire Asia-Pacific region. It will only make our defence capabilities more comprehensive and extensive,” said a spokesperson from the Indian Army’s Northern Command.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated DRDO for “the successful test of Agni 5 missile, and further strengthening India’s defence capabilities”.
Congratulations DRDO for successfully test firing Agni V. It will enhance our strategic and deterrence capabilities. #PresidentMukherjee.
The solid propellant driven missile, which can carry a warhead of about 1 tonne (1,000 Kgs) is 17 metres, long and weighs about 50 tonnes. It was test-fired from a canister giving it all-weather and all-terrain mobile launch capability. This three-stage solid propellant ICBM is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Unlike other missiles of Agni series, Agni-5 is the most advanced having new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. At present India in its armoury of Agni missile series, it was the fourth developmental and second canisterised trial of the missile. The other Agni series missile includes Agni-I (700 km range), Agni-II (2000 km range), Agni-3 (2,500 km range) and Agni-4 ( more than 3,500 range).