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?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
