India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Ballistic Missile, Validates 5,000 km Strike Capability

India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5, an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of up to 5,000 km, further strengthening its nuclear deterrence and strategic strike capabilities.

The Defence Ministry said the launch was conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command. The test validated “all operational and technical parameters.”

With its reach extending across most of Asia—including northern China—and parts of Europe, the Agni-5 forms a critical part of India’s nuclear arsenal. The three-stage, solid-fuel missile is road-mobile, can carry nuclear warheads, and features advanced guidance systems for high precision.

The test comes nearly three-and-a-half months after India’s military conflict with Pakistan and a year after the last Agni-5 launch in March 2024.

India’s missile programme includes earlier Agni variants (Agni-1 to Agni-4) with ranges between 700 km and 3,500 km, all already deployed. In recent months, the armed forces have also tested the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II (350 km range), Agni-I (700–900 km range), and the newly developed Pralay, a short-range tactical missile capable of carrying 500–1,000 kg conventional warheads.

Key Features of Agni-5:

• Type: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)

• Range: Up to 5,000 km

• Payload: Nuclear-capable

• Propulsion: Three-stage solid-fuel system

• Launch Platform: Road-mobile launchers & Integrated Test Range

• Coverage: Most of Asia and parts of Europe

• Strategic Role: Core element of India’s nuclear deterrence