India Successfully Test Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile In Odisha's Chandipur

India successfully launched the intermediate-range ballistic missile, Agni-4, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters.

In a significant boost to India's defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence announced on Friday the successful launch of the intermediate-range ballistic missile, Agni-4. The launch was conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, and was deemed a success, with all operational and technical parameters being validated.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed, "The launch was successfully carried out from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha." The official further elaborated that the test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, ensuring the missile's readiness for operational deployment.

The Agni-4 is a long-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 4,000 kilometres, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. This latest launch marks another milestone in India's strategic deterrence capabilities, following the successful test of the new-generation ballistic missile, Agni-Prime, in April. The Agni-Prime test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, showcasing the country's advancements in missile technology.

Agni-5 Missile

In March, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the first test of the MIRV-equipped Agni-5 missile. With a range of 5,000 kilometres, the Agni-5 is designed to address India's long-term security needs. This missile can cover almost the entire Asian continent, including the northernmost parts of China, and even several regions in Europe, making it a formidable addition to India's arsenal.

The Agni-5's MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) capability is particularly noteworthy. According to Ranjit Kumar, a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst, the successful test-firing of the Agni-5 has captured the attention of the global strategic community.

The analyst noted, "The Agni missile equipped with MIRV will make India invincible, as no power on earth has yet achieved any capability to deflect multi-warhead missiles and simultaneously intercept them."