India on Wednesday successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, marking a major advancement in the nation’s strategic defence capabilities.
“Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni 5’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha today. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters,” the Ministry of Defence said.
Developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 kilometres. It is the most advanced missile in the Agni series, which forms the backbone of India’s land-based nuclear deterrent.
The missile can carry a nuclear warhead of up to 1.5 tonnes and is built with lightweight composite materials, which improves its efficiency and reliability.
Agni 5 is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, which would allow a single missile to deliver multiple warheads at different targets, dramatically enhancing its strategic effectiveness.
For pinpoint accuracy, it uses a ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation system (RLG-INS) and a micro-inertial navigation system (MINGS), supported by satellite navigation systems like India’s NavIC and the US GPS.
The missile uses a three-stage, solid-fuel propulsion system and is launched from a canisterised platform, which allows for rapid deployment, easier storage, and enhanced mobility.
