On 20th August, India announced the successful test launch of its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), reaffirming its commitment to a robust strategic deterrence posture.
The missile was launched at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command. Defence Ministry officials stated that the test was part of routine user trials intended to ensure the reliability and performance of the systems. The launch validates all operational and technical parameters of the missile, thus indicating that it is fully ready for deployment.
The Agni-5 missile is a surface-based, three-stage solid-fuel system which was founded under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) of India. It has a range above 5,000 kilometres, with the capability of hitting targets almost all over Asia and even in Europe, including Turkey and northern China.
Significantly, the missile is nuclear-capable and has Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. In MIRV, multiple warheads can be installed in a single missile and arranged to target different targets.
Officials stated that the Agni-5 test will further strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence and the posture of what the Ministry of Defence refers to as “credible minimum deterrence posture.”
Pakistan and China publicly criticised the test. The Pakistani Foreign Office announced that India is expanding its nuclear missile capabilities, with inappropriate effects on regional and global stability, terming the launch escalatory and part of an alarming trend in arms acquisition.
Earlier, India test-fired the short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II, and Agni-1, from a similar site in addition to conducting successful tests of the upgraded Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh.
The Agni series traces its ancestry back to India’s IGMDP programme, which has produced a host of missiles from Agni-I to Agni-V. Each has increased in range and sophistication. The MIRV capability of the Agni-5 will be a major technological leap forward. Work is already in progress for the next slide, Agni-VI, which is expected to have even greater range and capabilities.
The launch was important as far as technical reliability was concerned. It validated its other deterrent reach, reaching much beyond South Asia. With advanced MIRV capabilities with over 5,000 km range, the missile indeed solidifies India’s strategic posture.
Seen as a significant advancement in strengthening of defence system for the nation, this test, however, is a warning, specifically by Pakistan and India’s neighbouring countries.
