In a major boost to its defence capabilities, India on Wednesday carried out a successful test of the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile, which has the ability to strike targets up to 5,000 kilometres away. 

According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile was launched from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, and the trial confirmed that all operational and technical parameters had been achieved.

Agni-5 Missile Brings Almost Entire Asia, Parts Of Europe Within Striking Range

With its range, the Agni-5 missile can bring nearly the whole of Asia — including the northernmost regions of China — as well as parts of Europe within striking distance, news agency PTI reported. The ministry described the test as a demonstration of India’s strategic strength.

The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, which oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal. 

Officials noted that India had previously carried out a successful test of the same missile in March last year.

Part of India’s Strategic Missile Arsenal

The Agni series already includes Agni-1 to Agni-4, with ranges between 700 km and 3,500 km, all of which are currently in service. The Agni-5 adds significantly to India’s deterrence capabilities.

In addition to the Agni series, India has also developed the Prithvi-II missile, which has a range of around 350 km and can carry a payload of up to 500 kg. It is capable of being armed with both conventional and nuclear warheads. Similarly, the Agni-1 missile, with a range of 700–900 km, can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg. Both have been described as integral to the country’s nuclear deterrence.

Recent Missile Tests Strengthen Deterrence

Last month, India carried out successful tests of both the Prithvi-II and Agni-1 missiles. In July, the country also tested the newly-developed ‘Pralay’ missile — a tactical, short-range, surface-to-surface system capable of delivering conventional warheads weighing between 500 and 1,000 kg.

The Ministry of Defence, in its statement, emphasised that the latest Agni-5 trial was a key step in strengthening India’s strategic deterrence posture.

Akash Prime Breakthrough in Ladakh

In July, the Indian Army achieved a major advancement by neutralising two high-speed unmanned aerial targets at altitude using Akash Prime, an upgraded version of the Akash Weapon System. Designed to function at heights above 4,500 metres, the system incorporates several improvements, including an indigenously built Radio Frequency seeker.

The Defence Ministry said these upgrades were based on feedback from field operations, aimed at boosting performance and effectiveness in high-altitude regions. The system has been developed through collaboration between Army Air Defence, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Units such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, along with other industry partners.

The firing was part of the First of Production Model trial and is expected to pave the way for timely induction of the system into service, further strengthening India’s air defence in frontier zones. The achievement follows the notable success of indigenous air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, marking another leap forward in the country’s missile development initiatives that are now drawing attention globally.