Agni-5 Test

Why in the News?

1. On August 20, 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5, a nuclear-capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM), from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
2. The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all operational and technical parameters, according to the Defence Ministry.
3. This follows the March 11, 2024 “Mission Divyastra” trial, in which the Agni-5 was tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, placing India in an elite group of nations with MIRV-capable missiles.

Key Highlights

1. About Agni-5 Missile
   1. A Nuclear-capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM) designed by DRDO.
   2. Powered by a three-stage solid-fuel engine, giving it high reliability and quick launch readiness.
   3. Range: Over 5,000 km, putting it in the Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) class, at the upper end, close to Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
2. Technological Strengths
   1. Can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, giving India flexibility in deterrence.
   2. The road-mobile launcher system enhances survivability.
   3. Designed with advanced guidance systems for precision strike.
3. MIRV Breakthrough (2024)
   1. In the 2024 “Mission Divyastra” trial, the Agni-5 demonstrated MIRV technology, which allows one missile to deliver multiple warheads independently to different targets.
   2. This breakthrough makes missile defence interception much harder.
   3. With MIRV, India joins powers like the US, Russia, China, and France.
4. Programme Lineage: IGMDP and the Agni Family
   1983. The Agni series is part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983.
   1984. IGMDP also produced other missiles: Prithvi (short-range ballistic missile), Trishul (short-range SAM), Akash (medium-range SAM), and Nag (anti-tank guided missile).
   1985. The Agni-5 represents the most advanced system within this legacy.
5. Classification of Ballistic Missiles
   1. Short-range ballistic missiles: less than 1,000 km (e.g., Prithvi).
   2. Medium-range: 1,000–3,000 km.
   3. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM): 3,000–5,500 km (Agni-4, Agni-5).
   4. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM): more than 5,500 km (India is close with Agni-5).

Key Terminologies

1. Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
   1. Range: 3,000–5,500 km.
   2. Typically used for regional deterrence.
   3. Powered by solid or liquid fuel rockets.
   4. Agni-4 and Agni-5 (upper end) fall under this category.
2. Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
   1. Range: > 5,500 km.
   2. Capable of striking across continents.
   3. Generally nuclear-capable.
   4. India is close to this class with Agni-5 (~5,000 km).
3. Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
   1. Technology allows one missile to carry several warheads.
   2. Each warhead can be directed at a different target.
   3. Reduces vulnerability to missile defence.
   4. Tested successfully with Agni-5 in March 2024.
4. Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
   1. Launched in 1983 by DRDO.
   2. Developed five missile systems: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag.
   3. Aimed at self-reliance in missile technology.
   4. Successfully matured into India’s modern missile arsenal.
5. Missile Prithvi
   1. Short-range ballistic missile (150–350 km).
   2. First missile developed under IGMDP.
   3. Can carry nuclear and conventional warheads.
   4. Variants for Army, Air Force, and Navy.
6. Missile Trishul
   1. Short-range surface-to-air missile (SR-SAM).
   2. Developed under IGMDP for quick-reaction air defence.
   3. Served as a technology demonstrator for other SAMs.
   4. Contributed seeker and guidance tech.
7. Missile Nag
   1. Third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
   2. Fire-and-forget capability with day/night operation.
   3. Mounted on NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier).
   4. Designed to defeat modern armoured vehicles.
8. Missile Akash
   1. Medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM).
   2. Effective against aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
   3. Inducted into the Indian Army and Air Force.
   4. Upgraded versions (Akash-NG) in development.
9. Nuclear vs Conventional Warheads
   1. Nuclear warheads: Use fission/fusion reactions; massive destructive power; long-term radiation effects.
   2. Conventional warheads: Use high explosives; designed for fragmentation, penetration, or incendiary effects.
   3. Flexibility: Missiles like Agni-5 can be fitted with either type.
   4. Strategic role: Nuclear warheads serve deterrence; conventional are for battlefield use.

Implications

1. Enhanced Strategic Deterrence
   1. The Agni-5 gives India the ability to reach almost all of Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa.
   2. With MIRV, its deterrent value against adversaries with missile defences is significantly strengthened.
2. Indigenous Technological Capability
   1. Developed entirely by DRDO, in continuation of IGMDP, proving India’s capacity for self-reliance in strategic technologies.
   2. Enhances India’s status among technologically advanced nations.
3. Geopolitical Significance
   1. Strengthens India’s posture vis-à-vis neighbours like China and Pakistan.
   2. Places India among the very few countries with near-ICBM and MIRV capability.
4. Military Readiness
   1. Under the Strategic Forces Command, the missile is tested in operational settings, ensuring readiness for deployment.
   2. Strengthens India’s nuclear triad, supporting second-strike capability.
5. Nuclear vs Conventional Options
   1. The Agni-5 can carry nuclear warheads for strategic deterrence and conventional warheads for limited conflict scenarios.
   2. This flexibility allows India to maintain credible minimum deterrence under its No-First-Use nuclear policy.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The successful test of the Agni-5 missile in August 2025, following the MIRV demonstration in 2024, marks a significant advancement in India’s missile programme. It not only reinforces India’s strategic deterrence and technological self-reliance, but also validates decades of work under the IGMDP. By combining IRBM-range capability, the potential to evolve toward ICBM-class reach, and the game-changing MIRV technology, Agni-5 positions India firmly among the top missile powers. Moving forward, India’s challenge lies in sustaining this momentum while ensuring alignment with its doctrine of credible minimum deterrence.