New Delhi: India on Wednesday successfully test-fired surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-V, it is nuclear capable and can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km, the government said in an official statement.
The launch of the Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-V, was carried out at approximately 7.50 PM from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. "The successful test of Agni-V is in line with India's stated policy to have credible minimum deterrence that underpins the commitment to 'No First Use'," the defence ministry said.
Agni-V ballistic missile test fired, key highlights:
• Agni-V capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with very high degree of accuracy
• Uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine
• Successful launch in line with India’s policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’
The successful test of Agni-V is in line with India’s policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Agni-V and it is one of the longest range missiles in India's arsenal. The surface-to-surface missile is about 17-metre long, 2-metre wide and has launch weight of around 50 tonnes. The missile can carry a nuclear warhead of more than one tonne.
Meanwhile, the DRDO also flight-tested the Man-Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile.
The successful test-firing of the missile came in the midst of a lingering border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.
