India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Source:  HT

Context:  India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha, validating its operational and technical parameters under the Strategic Forces Command.

About Agni-V

What it is

• Agni-V is India’s longest-range ballistic missile, classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) class system though officially described as intermediate-range.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

Category & Type

• Category: Surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
• Type: Three-stage, solid-fuelled missile with road/rail mobile launch capability.

Range & Payload

• Range: About 5,000–5,500 km, covering all of Asia and parts of Europe & Africa.
• Payload: Can carry a 1.5-tonne nuclear warhead (single or Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle – MIRV).

Technology Features

1. Solid Fuel Technology – All stages are solid-fuel based, enhancing readiness.
2. MIRV Capability – Tested in March 2024, allows striking multiple targets with one launch.
3. Ring Laser Gyro Navigation & Micro Inertial Systems – Provides high accuracy.
4. Composite Materials – Reduce weight while improving structural strength.
5. Canisterised Launch System – Ensures faster deployment and longer shelf life.

Agni Missile Series

1. Agni-I
   • Range: ~700–1,200 km
   • Type: Short-range, single-stage, solid-fuel missile.
2. Agni-II
   • Range: ~2,000–2,500 km
   • Type: Two-stage, solid-fuel missile; road/rail mobile.
3. Agni-III
   • Range: ~3,000–3,500 km
   • Type: Two-stage, nuclear-capable missile; designed for deeper penetration.
4. Agni-IV
   • Range: ~3,500–4,000 km
   • Features: Advanced composite materials, improved navigation systems.
5. Agni-V
   • Range: 5,000+ km; MIRV capable.
   • Canister-based, most advanced in service.