In News:

India has successfully conducted the test of its nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The launch was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all operational and technical parameters, marking a significant boost to India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

About Agni-5 Missile

• Type: Land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Range: Beyond 5,000 km, capable of covering most of Asia and parts of other continents.
• Payload Capacity: Equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enabling it to carry and deliver up to three nuclear warheads simultaneously at different targets.
• Technologies Used: Modern navigation, guidance, warhead, and propulsion systems, ensuring high accuracy and survivability.

Ballistic Missiles – Classification by Range

Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled strategic weapons that follow a ballistic trajectory after the powered phase:

1. Short-range: < 1,000 km (Tactical role).
2. Medium-range: 1,000–3,000 km (Theater role).
3. Intermediate-range: 3,000–5,500 km.
4. Intercontinental (ICBM): > 5,500 km (Strategic role).

Agni-5, with its long range and MIRV capability, places India in the league of nations with advanced ICBM technology.

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens nuclear deterrence under India’s credible minimum deterrence and no first use (NFU) doctrines.
• Enhances India’s security architecture amidst evolving regional and global threats.
• Positions India among the select group of countries (U.S., Russia, China, France) with operational ICBM and MIRV capability.