New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence and a demonstration of its military might, the locally-developed intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-5, which can go as far as 5,000 kilometres, was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
This missile can bring almost the entire continent of Asia, including the northernmost parts of China, and some regions of Europe within striking range.
The test comes less than four months after a military conflict between India and Pakistan, though officials did not speak of a link with that. The missile is a variant of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach around 7,000 kilometres.
The missile is developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and it was reported back in June that DRDO is planning an upgrade, expanding its range to 7,500 kilometres.
Last year, India carried out the maiden flight test of the Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV)-capable Agni-5 missile. This technology helps the weapon system to tackle multiple nuclear warheads.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded the efforts of the DRDO scientists involved in the mission.
