Work on the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile project was started a decade ago and the missile was test-fired seven times.
In a major boost to its military prowess amid the eastern Ladakh row, India on Wednesday successfully test-fired Agni-5, a surface-to-surface strategic missile, which can target a range of up to 5,000 km with a very high level of accuracy. can hit. Accuracy. Officials said the nuclear-capable missile was test fired at around 7.50 pm from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
The Agni 5 project aims to enhance India’s nuclear deterrence against China, which has missiles like the Dongfeng-41 which have a range of between 12,000-15,000 km.
“The successful test-fire of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy of credible minimum deterrence, underscoring its commitment to ‘No First Use’,” the Defense Ministry said in a brief statement.
Work on the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile project was started a decade ago and the missile was test-fired seven times.
People familiar with the development said it was the first user test of the missile that could bring the northernmost part of China under its striking range.
The successful test-fire of the missile, manufactured by the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), took place amid a standoff along the border with China in eastern Ladakh. The missile has a height of 17 meters and is capable of carrying a warhead weighing 1.5 tonnes.
The missile was first test-fired in April 2012 while the last test was conducted almost three years ago.
“The missile, which uses a three-stage solid-fuel engine, is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 5,000 km with very high accuracy,” the ministry said.
The successful test-fire of the missile paved the way for India to join the Strategic Forces Command that looks after its strategic assets, the people cited above said. Agni 1 to 4 missiles have a range of 700 km to 3,500 km and have already been deployed. The purpose of the Agni 5 project was to enhance India’s nuclear deterrence against China.
In June, DRDO successfully test-fired a new generation of ‘Agni’ class nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, which have a range of up to 2,000 km.
The ‘Agni Prime’ missile features several advanced technologies including a propulsion system, innovative guidance and control mechanisms, and state-of-the-art navigation systems.
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