Basics – What is Agni-5?
- Type: Long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
- Classification: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
- Range: ~5,000–5,500 km (can reach almost entire Asia, parts of Europe, Africa).
- Developer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation).
- User: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which handles India’s nuclear arsenal.
- Role: Key pillar of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy under the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
Key Features of Agni-5
- Propulsion: 3-stage, solid-fuel missile → higher mobility, faster launch readiness.
- Accuracy: Equipped with advanced navigation & guidance systems, including ring-laser gyroscope & micro-navigation system.
- Mobility: Road- and rail-mobile launch capability → increases survivability.
- Warhead capacity: Can carry nuclear warheads (~1.5 tonnes).
- MIRV Technology:
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads.
- Each warhead can hit different targets, overwhelming enemy defenses.
- First validated in March 2024 trial.
The August 20, 2025 Test (Chandipur, Odisha)
- Nature of test: User trial by Strategic Forces Command (SFC), not just developmental.
- Purpose:
- Validate operational readiness of Agni-5 system.
- Confirm reliability of all technical parameters in real-world conditions.
- Strengthen India’s long-term strategic deterrence posture.
- Outcome: Declared “successful” → all mission objectives met.
Historical Development
- Agni series: India’s indigenous missile programme → ranges from short-range (Agni-1) to ICBM (Agni-5).
- Timeline:
- 2012: First test of Agni-5.
- Multiple developmental & user trials since.
- 2024: First test of Agni-5 MIRV variant.
- 2025 (current): Operational validation test by SFC.
Strategic Importance
- Deterrence against China:
- 5,000 km range covers Beijing, Shanghai, and other Chinese strategic assets.
- Strengthens India’s second-strike capability under No First Use (NFU) doctrine.
- Credible minimum deterrence: Enhances survivability of India’s nuclear arsenal.
- MIRV capability: Counters anti-ballistic missile (ABM) shields by ensuring multiple warheads hit targets simultaneously.
- Geopolitical message: Demonstrates India’s growing technological maturity in strategic weapons → boosts global stature.
Operational Context
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC): Conducted the test → indicates induction into active arsenal.
- Comparison with others:
- China: DF-41 ICBM (range 12,000–15,000 km, MIRV capable).
- Pakistan: No ICBM capability; longest-range = Shaheen-III (~2,750 km).
- India: With Agni-5 MIRV, joins small club (US, Russia, China, France) with MIRV-capable ICBMs.
Implications for India’s Security & Foreign Policy
- Strategic Stability: Enhances deterrence, reduces adversaries’ temptation for pre-emptive strike.
- China focus: Directly balances China’s long-range missile arsenal.
- Pakistan: Already within Agni-2/Agni-3 range; Agni-5 aimed primarily at China.
- Global diplomacy:
- Positions India as a responsible nuclear power with credible deterrence.
- Enhances leverage in global arms control discussions (e.g., MTCR, NSG).
Challenges Ahead
- MIRV integration: Needs extensive testing under different conditions.
- Counter-systems: China deploying advanced ABM systems → India needs penetration aids, decoys, maneuverable warheads.
- Arms race concern: Agni-5 MIRV could trigger regional acceleration of nuclear and missile development.
- Command & control: Must ensure highest standards of safety, security, and political oversight.
Bottom Line
- Agni-5’s August 2025 test marks operational consolidation of India’s ICBM programme.
- Demonstrates MIRV maturity and strategic readiness.
- Reinforces India’s China-centric deterrence posture and secures India’s place among the world’s advanced nuclear powers.
