New Delhi: Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile, Agni-V, was successfully tested on October 27, 2021 evening from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The missile, which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy.

This test is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.

Agni-V is the bedrock of India’s nuclear deterrent along with submarine-based nuclear missiles. Agni I to V missiles are designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). At present, apart from the Agni-V, other Agni missiles that India has in its armoury are: Agni-I with a 700-km range, Agni-II with a 2,000-km range, Agni-III and Agni-IV with 2,500 km to more than 3,500 km range.

In June, India had test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni Prime ballistic missile, a more advanced version of the Agni class of missiles.