India Successfully Tests Agni-5 Ballistic Missile

New Delhi, August 21, 2025: India strategic deterrence capabilities were significantly bolstered with the successful test-firing of the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile on Wednesday. The launch was conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, and was carried out under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command. It was confirmed by the Defence Ministry that all operational and technical parameters were successfully validated during the test.

India Strategic Reach

The Agni-5, an indigenously developed missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has an operational range of over 5,000 kilometers. This range is particularly significant as it brings almost the entire Asian continent and parts of Europe and Africa within its striking distance. The missile is specifically viewed as a major deterrent against China. The test-firing is considered a routine training exercise, as the missile has been inducted into the Strategic Forces Command.

The Agni-5 is a canister-launched system, which provides several operational advantages. A canister-launch missile can be stored for long periods and transported swiftly by road or rail, allowing for increased operational flexibility and survivability. It uses a three-stage solid-fueled engine and is capable of carrying a significant payload, including a strategic nuclear warhead.

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MIRV Technology and Nuclear Deterrence

This latest test of the Agni-5 follows a previous and highly significant trial in March 2024, during which the missile was successfully tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. While the current test was a routine training trial, the earlier MIRV test was a major technological milestone. This technology allows a single missile to carry and deliver multiple warheads to different targets hundreds of kilometers apart. The development of MIRV technology places India among a select few countries with this advanced capability, further strengthening its “credible minimum deterrence” posture.

The Agni-5 is a key component of India’s nuclear triad, which also includes sea-based and air-based nuclear capabilities. With its long range and advanced features, the missile provides India with a robust second-strike capability, which is crucial for a nation with a “no first use” nuclear policy. The continuous development and testing of missiles like Agni-5 underscore India’s commitment to maintaining a strong and self-reliant defense posture in a complex and evolving global security environment.