New Delhi — In a major stride for its defense capabilities, India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile on Wednesday. The launch, which took place from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, validated all of the missile’s operational and technical parameters. This routine trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the military body responsible for India’s nuclear arsenal.
This latest test comes on the heels of the historic “Mission Divyastra” in March 2024, when the missile was successfully tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology for the first time. The Agni-5 is now capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, each of which can be directed to strike different targets simultaneously.
India’s Strategic Advantage
The Agni-5 is a key pillar of India’s long-range nuclear deterrence. With a strike range of over 5,000 kilometers, it can reach almost all of Asia, including northern parts of China, and even some regions of Europe. Its road-mobile, canister-based launch system means it can be quickly deployed from various locations, significantly enhancing its survivability against a first strike. This mobility, combined with its newfound MIRV capability, solidifies India’s second-strike capability and reinforces the country’s “No First Use” nuclear doctrine.
The missile’s development is the result of years of work by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It’s a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, which provides high readiness and reduces the time needed for launch. The missile’s advanced guidance systems and use of lightweight composite materials contribute to its high precision and long range. The successful test not only proves the system’s reliability but also signals India’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible and robust defense posture in a complex geopolitical landscape.