India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of covering most of Asia and carrying nuclear warheads. This launch enhances India’s position to join the elite ICBM club.
In a major boost to the defence sector, India successfully test-fired Agni-5 intermediate range ballistic missile. The missile can almost cover the whole Asian continent. The successful missile launch paves way for India to become a part of the elite ICBM club.
The defence ministry said the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha’s Chandipur validated all operational and technical parameters.
“Intermediate range ballistic missile ‘Agni 5’ was successfully test-fired from the integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20,” it said in a brief statement.
The indigenously developed intermediate-range ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead deep into the territory of China, was test-fired just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit there in years.
The missiles 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) puts India’s rivals like China and Pakistan well within range of the weapon. DRDO is working on an upgraded variant with an expected range of up to 7,500 kilometres.
India is trying to expand its arsenel as tensions continue to simmer along the disputed border with China.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is estimated to have around 600 nuclear warheads, while India has 180.
The Agni-5 test comes on the heels of a visit to New Delhi by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
New Delhi is also closely monitoring the challenges from Pakistan under Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose rise signals a dangerous shift: the addition of Atomic Weapons. Unlike his predecessors, Munir has taken the audacious step of publicly issuing nuclear threats against India with unprecedented boldness, while simultaneously cultivating close ties with the United States under Donald Trump.
DRDO is working on an upgraded variant with an expected range of up to 7,500 kilometres.