Agni-V ICBM joins the Indian arsenal
India successfully tested its Agni-V missile in late October. (Photo: Indian MoD)
India can now boast an ICBM amongst its missile arsenal as worries continue over border tensions with China.
An Agni-V ballistic missile, 17m long and with a 5,000km range, was successfully test-fired from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in the eastern Indian state of Odisha on 27 October.
The launch was supervised by the tri-services Strategic Forces Command (SFC), part of the Nuclear Command Authority that had been formed 18 years ago.
After this eighth and final test, induction of the missile will now see it join the SFC arsenal of land-based ballistic missiles that already includes the Prithvi, Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III and Agni-IV.
The three-stage Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) utilises a solid-fuel engine. This launch followed the test
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
