Defence & Armed Forces

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Missile, Strengthens Strategic Deterrence

September 6, 2025

Agni-5 MissileIndia’s Strategic DeterrenceNuclear PolicyStrategic Forces Command

Why in News

On August 20, 2025, India conducted a successful test-firing of its nuclear-capable Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The test was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all key operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India's long-range strike capabilities.

Key Points

The Agni-5 missile was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha.
The test was conducted under the command of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) to validate its operational readiness.
Agni-5 is a nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
The missile is capable of striking targets deep in Asia and parts of Europe, covering strategic locations including China and Turkey.
It is equipped with advanced navigation, guidance, warhead, and engine systems and is launched from a canister-based platform.
The missile strengthens India’s “credible minimum deterrence” doctrine under its No First Use (NFU) nuclear policy.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed and developed the Agni-5 missile system indigenously.
The test confirms India’s growing technological sophistication in missile systems and bolsters its global strategic posture.

Explained

Strategic Deterrence Doctrine

The Agni-5 missile test represents a critical component of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. With its extended range, the missile ensures second-strike capability and strengthens India’s adherence to the “credible minimum deterrence” principle within its declared No First Use (NFU) nuclear posture.

Technological Advancements

Agni-5 uses solid propellant and is designed with a canister-based launch system, which enhances mobility and allows rapid deployment. Its navigation and guidance systems make it highly accurate, and the composite materials used reduce its radar signature, enhancing survivability.

Regional and Global Strategic Implications

The missile's range enables India to reach strategic targets across China, Central Asia, and parts of Europe. This extended capability is viewed as a necessary counterbalance to growing regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. It also reinforces India's strategic autonomy and defense self-reliance.

Indigenization and DRDO’s Role

The Agni series is a product of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Agni-5 stands as a testament to DRDO’s capabilities in indigenous defense technology, helping reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and boosting Make-in-India initiatives in strategic sectors.

Strategic Forces Command Integration

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), part of India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), oversees the operational management of nuclear assets. The successful user trial signifies that Agni-5 is ready for induction and integration into India’s nuclear command system for real-time deployment.

MCQ Facts

Q1. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the Agni-5 missile?

A) It is developed by DRDO and has a range of over 5,000 km

B) It is capable of being launched from submarines

C) It uses a canister-based launch system

D) It supports India’s No First Use nuclear doctrine

Explanation: Agni-5 is a land-based intermediate-range ballistic missile and is not designed for submarine launch. India’s submarine-launched ballistic missile is the K-4, not Agni-5.

Mains Question

Evaluate the strategic and technological significance of the Agni-5 missile for India’s national security. How does it align with India’s nuclear doctrine and impact regional security dynamics?

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