India today successfully test fired for the second time it's long range nuclear capable Agni-5 missile that has a range of over 5000 kilometres. (Photo : Getty Images)
According to reports from Bloomberg, India successfully test-fired Agni-V, which confirms the country's status in the select group of nations with weapons that are capable to travel from one continent to another. This is the fourth test-launch of India' longest range nuclear-capable missile with a range of more than 5,000 kilometers. According to the Indo-Asian News Service, It is said that the missile is capable of reaching as far as Beijing.
The Agni-V completed its final test-fire on Monday at the Defense Research and Development Organization's Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha coast. The successful launch of this potent missile will pave its way for its induction to the Strategic Forces Command.
"This was the fourth test of Agni-5 missile and the second one from a canister on a Road Mobile Launcher. All the four missions have been successful," the Ministry of Defense said. India joined a group of countries that have intercontinental ballistic missiles during the first test-fire of the Agni-V in 2012.
Sources said that the Agni-V is the most advanced missile in the Agni series as it is incorporated with state-of-the-art technology when it comes to warhead, engine, navigation and guidance. This includes the Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System, the Micro Navigation System and others.
Pranab Mukherjee, the president of India, confirmed the test-fire in a post on Twitter. He tweeted, "Congratulations DRDO for successfully test firing Agni V. It will enhance our strategic and deterrence capabilities." He added, "It will add tremendous strength to our strategic defense."
The Agni-V launches are part of the country's efforts to establish itself as a world power through building its defense capabilities. India intends it space and missile programs for confronting neighboring rivals, China and Pakistan. This is due to border disputes issues, as India has fought three wars with Pakistan and one with China in the past.
Despite the dispute, both India and China have improved their military, economic and political ties, It is a different story, however, between India and Pakistan, as it is said to be in its worst phase for more than a decade.
