India Successfully Test-Fires Agni 5 Missiles, Type and Capabilities

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Missiles, Type and Capabilities

Agni 5 Missiles is India’s most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, enhancing strategic deterrence and national security.

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India has test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile successfully from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The test on August 20, 2025, was a routine user trial under the Strategic Forces Command. The test confirmed all operational and technical parameters of the missile, developed indigenously, with a strike range of more than 5,000 kilometres and a central part of India’s nuclear deterrence doctrine.

India Tests AGNI 5 Missiles Successfully

India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can travel more than 5,000 km.
It is equipped with advanced navigation, guidance, and control systems to provide high accuracy.
Enhances India’s nuclear deterrence capability as well as defence preparedness.
Increases long-range strike capability, striking targets in Asia and beyond.
Demonstrates India’s commitment to regional security and strategic stability.

About Agni-5 Missiles

The Agni-5 is India’s most sophisticated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a strike range of more than 5,000 km, designed by DRDO under the nation’s strategic missile program. Fitted with advanced navigation, guidance, and control systems, it is highly accurate and reliable.

The missile is also made to be compatible with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, allowing it to target multiple targets at once. Its test with success greatly enhances India’s strategic deterrence, enhances the capability of long-range defence and national security and reinforces India’s position as a major power in missile technology.

Type: The Agni-5 missile is an advanced, long-range missile, surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- It represents the latest variant in the Agni series, which has been part of the Indian armed forces’ arsenal since the early 1990s.
Technology: This missile is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs)

Capabilities

The Agni-5 has a range of more than 5,000 km, categorising it as a long-range missile.
It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, particularly regarding the potential threat posed by China.

About MIRV Technology

MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.

This technology enables a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each of which can be directed towards a different target.
The targets can be spaced hundreds of kilometres apart, making MIRV-equipped missiles highly versatile and effective strategic weapons.

Strategic Advantage: The deployment of MIRV technology allows a country to strike multiple targets simultaneously or to overcome missile defence systems by saturating them with multiple incoming warheads.
Global Presence: Currently, the technology is possessed by a select group of countries, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, all of which have MIRV-equipped missiles.
- These missiles can be launched from various platforms, including land-based silos and submarines.
- Pakistan is in the process of developing its MIRV-capable missile system.
- Similarly, Israel is suspected of either possessing or developing such technology, although specific details may not be publicly available.

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Difference Between Cruise And Ballistic Missiles

Aspect	Cruise Missile	Ballistic Missile
Flight Path	Low-level, terrain-hugging, within the atmosphere	High arcing, parabolic trajectory, exits and re-enters the atmosphere
Propulsion	Jet engine, sustained propulsion throughout flight	Rocket boosters, propelled initially, coast without propulsion mid-flight
Guidance Systems	Advanced guidance with GPS, inertial, TERCOM or image-based systems	Inertial, sometimes with star sighting or GPS, terminal phase guidance
Speed and Altitude	Generally subsonic or supersonic, it flies at lower altitudes	Hypersonic speeds reach extremely high altitudes
Defensive Countermeasures	Hard to detect due to low altitude and potential for stealth technology	Easier to detect at launch, difficult interception due to speed and trajectory
Purpose and Use	Precision strikes against specific targets require controlled flight paths	Delivery of strategic payloads, including nuclear, across continents
Examples (India)	BrahMos, Nirbhay	Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and Dhanush missiles.

FAQs

What is the Agni-5 missile?

Agni-5 is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by India with a range of over 5,000 km, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Why is the Agni-5 test significant?

The test strengthens India’s strategic deterrence, enhances long-range strike capabilities, and demonstrates the country’s self-reliance in advanced defense technology.

Who developed the Agni-5 missile?

It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under India’s strategic missile program.

What is special about Agni-5?

The missile is equipped with cutting-edge navigation and guidance systems, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. It also supports the MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) capability, allowing it to hit multiple targets.

How does Agni-5 impact India’s security?

It enhances India’s ability to deter threats from long distances, covering regions across Asia and beyond, ensuring stronger national and regional security.