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India Test-Fires Agni-5, Validates Missile in Strategic Forces Trial

Defence officials called it a routine Strategic Forces Command user trial confirming the missile’s readiness.

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India's Agni-5 Missile on display in New Delhi on January 23, 2013.

Overview

  • India launched the Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, on August 20, with the Defence Ministry saying all operational and technical parameters were validated.
  • The canisterised, three-stage solid-fuel system is nuclear-capable and reported to exceed 5,000 km in range, forming a core element of India’s land-based deterrent.
  • Indian authorities issued extended no-fly and navigation warnings over the Indian Ocean, with notices indicating a flight corridor of roughly 4,795 km for safety.
  • India previously demonstrated an Agni-5 variant with MIRV capability on March 11, 2024, a step that analysts say will require multiple additional trials before operational deployment.
  • Reporting indicates DRDO is developing longer-range Agni-5 variants of about 7,500 km and specialised warheads, while Pakistan’s Strategic Vision Institute warned the programme poses serious risks to regional stability.