India’s successful Agni-5 tests a warning to China? Here’s all about the ballistic missile

India successfully test fired Agni-5, a nuclear-capable inter-continental ballistic missile on 15 December. The missile has the capability of hitting targets beyond the range of 5000 km, sources in the Defense Ministry said.

The test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile that can now hit targets further away than before with more accuracy, the Ministry added.

Agni-5 is a strategic missile with a maximum range of 5000 km, and can cover the whole Chinese mainland. It is a fire-and-forget missile, which cannot be stopped without an interceptor missile.


The test firing came from Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. According to sources in the Defence Ministry, the firing was part of routine test, and this was the missile's eighth flight since it was originally tested in 2012. Long before border row with China India had sent out Notice to Airmen regarding the test firing.

The Defence Ministry said that Agni V's successful test is in keeping with the nation's state policy of having "credible minimum deterrence" that emphasises the commitment to "No First Use."

Agni IV can reach targets at a distance of 4,000 km, while Agni III, at 3,000 km, and Agni II, at 2,000 km. India had launched the last Agni 5 test last year in October.

The test firing was done amid the border tensions with China. Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh last week. At least six Indian soldiers are reportedly injured and are being treated at the Army hospital in Guwahati.

FAQ:

When was the launch of Agni-5 carried out?
The launch was carried out on December 15, 2022 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

When did the first India-China clash take place?
The Sino-Indian War was the first border clash between China and India from October to November 1962