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 on Wednesday.
The test was conducted from the range in Chandipur, Odisha, the defence ministry said, adding, “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 test-fired on Wednesday 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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded the efforts of the DRDO scientists involved in the mission.
India test-fired Agni-5 missile in March last year as well.
The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed.
Last month, India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I.
The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kms and it is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads.
The Agni- 1 missile has a range of 700-“900 kms and it can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.
Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles have been an integral part of India's nuclear deterrence.
In July, India also test-fired the newly-developed tactical missile 'Pralay' which is capable of carrying conventional warheads.
'Pralay' is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.