India on Wednesday successfully tested its most advanced nuclear missile, Agni-5, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. With a range of over 5,000 km and the capacity to carry multiple warheads, the missile is considered India’s biggest advancement in missile technology. The test, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, achieved all technical and operational goals and reinforced India’s stand on maintaining a “credible minimum deterrence,” the Defence Ministry said.
Agni-5, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), now features MIRV technology, enabling one missile to carry and strike multiple targets with nuclear warheads. This represents a significant boost to India’s nuclear strike capability.
What is the Agni-5 Missile?
Agni-5 is a long-range ballistic missile that can carry nuclear warheads. It uses a three-stage solid-fuel system and is launched from a mobile canister, making it easy to move, store, and fire quickly.
The missile can carry up to 1.5 tonnes of nuclear payload and is made from lightweight composite materials for better efficiency. It also has advanced navigation systems, using gyroscopes along with India’s NavIC and the US GPS, which makes it very accurate over long distances.
What Makes This Agni-5 Test Special?
The key feature of the latest Agni-5 test was the successful use of MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology. This system lets one missile carry several warheads and strike different targets at the same time.
India first tested MIRV in March 2024 from Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, proving it could carry up to three nuclear warheads. The August 2025 test moves the technology closer to being fully ready.
This is a big step for India’s defence, as MIRV helps bypass enemy missile shields and gives more strategic options.
What Is the Range of Agni-5?
Agni-5 has a range of more than 5,000 km, which makes it an intermediate-range missile. Reports suggest DRDO is also developing a longer-range version that could reach up to 7,500 km.
With this range, Agni-5 can strike almost all of Asia, including northern China, and even parts of Europe. This makes it an important tool for India to deter threats both nearby and far away.
The new MIRV test has further boosted India’s nuclear capability, strengthening its “No First Use” policy by ensuring a strong second-strike option.
Agni-5 is India’s most advanced missile and a key part of its nuclear defence, showing the country’s resolve to maintain peace through credible strength.
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