India successfully test-fires Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile

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On August 20, 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
The launch was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command and validated all operational and technical parameters.

The Agni series of missiles is India’s indigenously developed ballistic missiles under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Agni-5 is technically India’s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of 5,000–5,500 km, placing it in the category of intermediate-to-intercontinental missiles.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is part of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy under the doctrine of credible minimum deterrence.
The previous trial on March 11, 2024, featured the MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology, enabling the missile to strike multiple targets with a single launch.

Range: 5,000 km (covers entire Asia, parts of Europe and Africa).
Type: Three-stage, solid-fuelled, road-mobile, canisterised ballistic missile.
Payload: ~1,500 kg (can carry nuclear warheads).
Accuracy: Equipped with a ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and satellite navigation.
MIRV Capability (tested in 2024): Can carry multiple nuclear warheads targeting different locations.
Mobility: Canister-based system provides quick launch, storage safety, and mobility.

Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence against major adversaries.
Ensures India’s second-strike capability under its No First Use (NFU) policy.
Enhances India’s role in the global nuclear order as a responsible nuclear power.
Bolsters India’s strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance.

Geopolitical reactions: May trigger concerns in China and Pakistan, possibly fuelling an arms race.
Cost and technology constraints in maintaining and advancing missile systems.
International pressure: Concerns from global non-proliferation lobbies despite India being outside the NPT.
Operational integration with India’s overall strategic command structure.

Continue strengthening the Strategic Forces Command with advanced missile defence integration.
Invest further in MIRV, hypersonic glide vehicles, and missile defence systems.
Maintain transparency in doctrine (credible minimum deterrence, NFU) to reassure the global community.
Use missile advancements to strengthen India’s bargaining power in international arms control regimes.

It is a three-stage, solid-fuelled missile developed under the IGMDP.
It has been tested with MIRV technology, enabling it to strike multiple targets in a single launch.
It can only be launched from fixed silos and lacks mobility.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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