In a landmark achievement for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, today.
Conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the launch validated all operational and technical parameters, marking a significant boost to India’s strategic deterrence.
The Agni-5, with an estimated range of 5,000-7,000 kilometres, is designed to carry a payload of over 1.5 tons, including nuclear warheads. This test underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous missile technology, developed as part of the Agni series initiated in 1983.
The missile’s multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capability, first demonstrated in a 2023 flight test, allows it to strike multiple targets with precision, enhancing its strategic value against potential adversaries like China and Pakistan.
Historical data indicate the Agni-5 project began in 2007, with its first successful test in 2012 after overcoming challenges related to its composite-material third stage. Today’s flawless execution, monitored by the Strategic Forces Command, reaffirms India’s position as a key player in global defense dynamics.
