Agni V is India's most advanced and powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is the fifth in a series of Agni missiles and was developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India. The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of up to 1.5 tons and can reach targets up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) away.
Agni V is part of India's nuclear deterrence strategy and is meant to counter any potential nuclear aggression by its adversaries. India has successfully tested the missile four times since 2012. The most recent test, in April 2018, was a success and the missile was declared ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
The first night trial of Agni-V was successfully completed by SFC from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on December 15, 2022. The purpose of the test was to validate new hardware and software on the missile. Agni-V was 20% lighter after lightweight composite materials took the place of maraging steel. The launch demonstrated striking capability across distances of more than 7000 kilometers.
The Agni V is a three-stage, solid-fuel rocket with a composite motor casing. The first stage is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, while the second and third stages are powered by a liquid-propellant engine. The missile is equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems, which enable it to hit targets with precision.
The Agni V is an important component of India's overall military strategy, as it provides India with an effective strategic deterrence capability. With its range, accuracy, and payload capacity, the Agni V is a potent weapon that can be used to counter any aggression from an adversary.
The Agni V also has significant economic implications for India as it has enabled the country to become self-sufficient in missile technology and put India in a position to compete with other countries in the international missile market. India is now among the few countries in the world that possess an ICBM capable of striking targets thousands of kilometers away.
The Agni V is an important strategic asset for India and is a testimony to the country's technological prowess. It is a symbol of India's growing role in global security architecture and is a testament to the country's commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.