India Successfully Tests Nuclear-Capable Agni-V Missile
The bright plume of fire and flash seen in the skies was actually from the latest operational test of Agni-V, India’s long-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Agni-V: A Significant Boost to India’s Strategic Deterrence
The successful test firing of Agni-V marks a significant boost to India’s strategic deterrence. The missile, which can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km, was launched from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
The government had cleared massive airspace for the test launch, which spread over 5,000 kilometers. Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia, including the northernmost part of China, as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range. The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km.
Agni-V Test Firing Causes Social Media Frenzy
The test firing of Agni-V caused a social media frenzy, with people posting pictures and videos on platforms like Twitter, asking what the bright plume with a burning tail could be. Some even tagged Isro (Indian Space Research Organisation) and other space agencies in their posts.
Agni-V Induction into Strategic Forces Command
The successful test firing of Agni-V paves the way for its induction into the Strategic Forces Command, which takes care of India’s strategic assets. The missile has a very high degree of accuracy and is capable of carrying a 1.5-tonne warhead. It stands at a height of 17 meters and is a three-stage solid rocket-powered missile system.
Future Plans for Agni Missiles
People are now looking forward to the submarine version of the Agni missile, called the ‘K-5’, which is expected to be tested in the near future. The development of Agni missiles started in the 1980s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, led by scientist and former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
The medium to intercontinental versions of the Agni missile series (Agni 1 to 5) have varying ranges, starting from 700 km for Agni-1 to 5,000 km and above for Agni-5. In December 2022, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully tested Agni-P, a canisterized missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
This means that the missile can be launched from road and rail platforms, making it easier to deploy and launch quickly. There are also plans for an Agni-6 missile, which is expected to have a range of 6,000 km or more.
References:
- Is that a UFO? Or a meteor? Or India’s nuclear missile Agni-V?
- Agni Systems | Defence Research and Development Organisation
- India Successfully Carries Out Trials of Nuclear-Capable ”Agni-5 missile”
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