India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5, an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which can strike targets up to a 5,000 km radius in Odisha's Chandipur. It displays India's strategic military strength and might.
The Defence Ministry stated that the test firing was successfully carried out from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, fulfilling all operational and technical parameters.
According to PTI, Agni-5 is capable of covering almost the entire Asian continent, including Northern China and parts of Europe, which makes it an important component of India's nuclear deterrence.
Agni-5's test-firing was conducted after nearly three and a half months following the military conflict with Pakistan. The missile was earlier tested in March this year.
Apart from Agni-5, India's missile program also includes the Agni series from Agni-1 to Agni-4, which are already deployed. Their range lies between 700 km and 3,500 km.
India has also tested Prithvi-II and Agni-I recently, both of which are nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles, along with Pralay, which is a newly developed tactical missile.
Prithvi-II can strike within a range of 350 km, with its payload around 500 kg. While Agni-I can cover a range of 700-900 km, with a 1,000 kg payload. Pralay is a short-range surface-to-surface missile that carries conventional warheads, with a payload ranging from 500 to 1000 kg.
All you need to know about Agni-5The key features of the Agni-5 missile are as follows:
It is an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) type, covering a range of up to 5,000 km. Launched from the Mobile Launchers and Integrated Test Range, Agni-5 is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Laced with high precision and advanced guidance systems, Agni-5 can cover almost the whole of Asia, including Northern China and parts of Europe. The three-stage solid fuel rocket will enhance mobility and readiness, serving as an integral component in India's nuclear deterrence.