The Agni-5 ballistic missile is one of India’s most powerful and advanced missiles, designed to enhance the country’s strategic military strength and ensure credible nuclear deterrence. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Agni-5 has given India the ability to strike targets at intercontinental ranges, covering almost the entire Asian continent and beyond.
What is Agni-5 Ballistic Missile?
The Agni-5 is a three-stage, solid-fuel, long-range ballistic missile with a range of up to 5,000 km. It is part of India’s prestigious Agni missile series, which includes Agni-I to Agni-V, each with different strike ranges. Agni-5 is currently the most advanced in the operational arsenal, with future upgrades planned to include MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Intermediate / Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (IRBM/ICBM) |
| Range | ~5,000 – 5,500 km |
| Stages | 3-stage, solid-fuel propulsion |
| Launch Weight | ~50 tonnes |
| Length | ~17.5 meters |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 1,500 kg (nuclear capable) |
| Accuracy (CEP) | ~10–20 meters |
| Launch Platform | Road-mobile canisterized launcher |
| Coverage | Almost all of Asia (including northern China) and parts of Europe |
| Guidance System | Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) + Micro Navigation System (MINS) |
Development and Testing Timeline
First Test: 19 April 2012, successful launch from Odisha’s Wheeler Island.
Subsequent Tests: Multiple trials between 2013 – 2022 confirmed reliability and accuracy.
Operational Induction: January 2019 into the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
Latest Test: 21 August 2025, validating all operational and technical parameters.
Strategic Importance of Agni-5
The Agni-5 ballistic missile significantly strengthens India’s second-strike capability under its “No First Use” nuclear doctrine. With its extended range, India can deter adversaries far beyond its immediate neighborhood.
Key Strategic Advantages:
Can target the entire Asia, including northern China.
Extends reach to parts of Europe and Africa.
Enhances survivability with road-mobile canisterized launchers.
Establishes India in the elite group of nations with ICBM capability (US, Russia, China, France, UK).
Agni Missile Family: Comparison Table
| Missile | Range | Payload | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | 700–900 km | ~1,000 kg | Deployed |
| Agni-II | 2,000–3,500 km | ~1,000 kg | Deployed |
| Agni-III | 3,000–3,500 km | ~1,500 kg | Deployed |
| Agni-IV | ~4,000 km | ~1,000 kg | Deployed |
| Agni-5 | ~5,000–5,500 km | ~1,500 kg (nuclear capable) | Operational (SFC) |
| Agni-VI (in development) | 8,000–10,000 km (expected) | MIRV (multiple warheads) | Under development |
Advanced Technologies in Agni-5
Canisterised Launch System → quick launch readiness, better storage & mobility.
Solid-Fuel Propulsion → reduced maintenance and higher reliability.
MIRV Capability (future) → multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile.
Stealth Features → designed for better survivability against enemy detection.
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ Agni-5 ballistic missile is India’s most advanced long-range missile, capable of hitting targets up to 5,500 km away.
✅ It strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence and enhances national security.
✅ With canisterized launch and road mobility, Agni-5 ensures rapid deployment and survivability.
✅ Covers entire Asia and parts of Europe, placing India in the elite ICBM club.
Conclusion
The Agni-5 ballistic missile is not just a weapon—it is a symbol of India’s technological progress and strategic preparedness. With its long range, nuclear capability, and advanced features, Agni-5 ensures that India’s defense posture remains strong and credible in the face of regional and global challenges.
Disclaimer: For more interesting articles visit Business Times.
