India Successfully Carries Out Trials of Nuclear-Capable ”Agni-5 missile”: The night tests of India’s Agni V ballistic missile, which is nuclear-capable, were successful, capable of striking targets at ranges more than 5,000 kilometers with very high degree of accuracy. Off the coast of Odisha, on APJ Abdul Kalam Island, a missile test was fired. This was the latest test in the Agni missile series. According to defence sources, the test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile that are now lighter than before.
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About The Timing:
The trials took place a short time after Chinese and Indian soldiers got into a fight at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. Several soldiers from both sides are injured, but none of the armies reported any deaths.
Issue With the Chinese:
Last year, China raised concerns regarding India’s launch of an Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile citing a resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1172. The resolution was issued after India’s 1998 nuclear tests.
What is the Agni-5 missile:
The nuclear-capable missile, which uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, has been developed by India’s Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO).
As part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program, which was led by scientist and former president Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, a key player in India’s missile and space programmes, the development of Agni missiles began in early 1980.
Medium to Intercontinental versions of Agni missile systems 1 to 5 have varying ranges — starting from 700 km for Agni-1 to 5000 km and above for Agni-5. In June 2021, DRDO successfully tested Agni P, a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km. This means that the missile can be launched from road and rail platforms, making it easier for it to be deployed and launched at a quicker pace. Agni-6 is also said to be under development, with a range starting at 8000 km.
What was the latest test for:
Since 2012, Agni-5 has undergone numerous tests with great success. Defence Ministry sources said the latest test was carried out primarily to validate various new technologies on board the missile. The flight performance of the missile was tracked and monitored by radars, range stations and tracking systems all through the mission including by the assets deployed in the sea.
