India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters of the nuclear-capable missile. With a reported range of over 5,000 km and equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Agni-5 is a cornerstone of India's strategic deterrence and second-strike capability, placing it in an elite group of nations with such technology.
Unpacked:
MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of striking different targets independently. This greatly enhances a missile’s effectiveness, survivability, and deterrence value, placing Agni-5 among the most advanced global missile systems.
Agni-5 surpasses earlier Agni missiles in range and technology. Its reach exceeds 5,000 km, compared to 700–3,500 km for Agni-1 to Agni-4. Additionally, it features road mobility, canister launch capability, and advanced guidance systems, making it more versatile and reliable.
Countries with MIRV-capable ballistic missiles include the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. India’s Agni-5 joins this elite group, marking a significant advancement in its strategic and technological capabilities.
Agni-5’s range of over 5,000 km brings all of Asia and parts of Europe within reach, including major strategic centers in China and beyond. This strengthens India’s deterrence posture and second-strike capability, influencing regional power balances and security calculations.