Ballistic missile Agni-V successfully test-fired

India has successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface ballistic missile called Agni-5 on October 27, 2021.

Key Point

• The missile was launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.
• The missile uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, which can strike the targets up to the range of 5000-km with a very high degree of accuracy.

Credible Minimum Deterrence

The successful launch of the Agni-5 missile aligns with India’s policy to have a “credible minimum deterrence”. This policy underpins the commitment of ‘No First Use’.

Who built Agni-5?

The Agni-5 missile has been built by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).

Background

The first test of the Agni-5 missile was carried out in April 2012. Last test was conducted around three years ago in 2018.

About Agni-V

Agni-V is an Indian nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Missile is having a range of around 5000 to 8000 km. It is a three-stage, solid-fuelled and road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile. It is transported by a truck and launched using a canister.

Significance of Agni V

Agni V is used to enhance India’s nuclear deterrence against China. Earlier, the longest-range missile in India was Agni-III, which had the range of 3000–3500 km. This range was not sufficient to reach targets eastern and north-eastern region of China. Thus, DRDO was working on the upgraded version of this missile called Agni-V since 2007.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021