2 min readNew DelhiJan 18, 2018 07:09 PM IST
First published on: Jan 18, 2018 at 12:36 PM IST
Agni 5 launch: File picture of the Agni missile. (Source: DRDO/File)
India Thursday successfully test fired its indigenously built, nuclear-capable missile, Agni-V. It was conducted off a test range from Odisha’s Abdul Kalam island. The intercontinental surface-to-surface ballistic missile has a range of 5,000 km. Confirming the development, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: “We have successfully launched nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V today.”
With the aim to strengthen its nuclear arsenal, the Indian army is modifying the Agni missile to make it capable of carrying nuclear warheads. New technologies are being incorporated into every test in addition to its navigation and guidance system, warhead and engine power.
It also has advantages of higher reliability, longer shelf life, less maintenance and enhanced mobility. India has at present in its armoury of Agni series, Agni-1 with 700 km range, Agni-2 with 2000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2500 km to more than 3500km range.
“The redundant Navigation systems, very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most modern and accurate Micro Navigation System (MINS) had ensured the missile reached the target point within few metres of accuracy. The high speed on board computer and fault tolerant software along with robust and reliable bus guided the missile flawlessly,” said an official of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
While the first test was conducted on April 19, 2012, the second and third tests were carried out in 2013 and 2015. The last test was done on December 26, 2017.
(With PTI inputs)
Agni 5 launch: File picture of the Agni missile. (Source: DRDO/File)
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