New Delhi:
India's indigenously developed intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile 'Agni-5' was successfully test-fired on Monday from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. This was the fourth and final test of the missile.
The missile was launched around 11.05 a.m. from a mobile launcher complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), defence sources said.
The missile, with a strike range of more than 5500 kms, serves as an ideal counter to China's military muscle. It will give India the cutting edge in long-range strike capability.
Here are ten key facts about the Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile
1. Range - The Agni V is an intercontinental ballistic missile with a strike range of over 5500 kms.
2. Payload - Agni V is nuclear capable, with a payload capacity of 1,500 kg of high-explosive warhead.
3. Dimensions - The missile is about 17 metres long, 2 metres wide and weighs about 51 tonnes.
4. Developed - It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
5. Fifth Variant - It is the fifth variant in the series of medium to long range Agni missiles. Agni I, II, III have already been inducted for military use.
6. Strike Capability - The successful induction of Agni V will give India long-range strike capability.
7. Accuracy - The very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most advanced Micro Navigation System (MINS) ensures that the missile reaches the target point within few metres of accuracy designated with in no time.
8. Testing History - The missile has previously been tested in 2012, 2013 and 2015.
9. Elite Club of Nations with ICBM's over 5500 km range - Once the Agni-V is inducted, India will join the superexclusive club of countries with ICBMs (missiles with a range of over 5,000-5,500km) alongside the US, Russia, China.
10. Prime Minister reserves the exclusive right to launch missile - If ever the situation arises then these missiles can be launched only after the orders of the Prime Minister of India and no one else.
Also Read: India successfully test-fires 5,000 km range surface-to-surface Agni-5 missile
