India successfully tests a ballistic missile called the Agni-5.

According to the defense ministry, all operational and technical criteria were verified during the test-firing, which was conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the direction of the Strategic Forces Command. The Agni-5 is a vital aspect of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy since it can cover nearly the whole Asian continent, including northern China, as well as portions of Europe, according to PTI.

This test follows the Agni-5’s March test last year and occurs around three and a half months after the military confrontation with Pakistan. With ranges ranging from 700 to 3,500 kilometers, India’s missile program also consists of the Agni series, which consists of the already-deployed Agni-1 through Agni-4.

Other recent tests include the newly built tactical missile Pralay, as well as the nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I.  While Agni-I can travel 700–900 km with a 1,000 kg payload, Prithvi-II can travel 350 km with a payload of up to 500 kg.  Pralay is a surface-to-surface missile with a short range that can carry 500–1,000 kg conventional warheads.

Key features of Agni-5 and missile tests

• Type: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
• Range: Up to 5,000 km
• Launch platform: Mobile launchers and Integrated Test Range
• Payload: Capable of carrying nuclear warheads
• Accuracy: High precision with advanced guidance systems
• Coverage: Almost the entire Asia, including northern China, and parts of Europe
• Propulsion: Three-stage solid-fuel rocket for enhanced mobility and readiness
• Strategic role: Key component of India’s nuclear deterrence