In a demonstration of its strategic military capabilities, India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate-range ballistic missile.
According to the defence ministry, the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur validated all operational and technical parameters.
"Intermediate range ballistic missile 'Agni 5' was successfully test-fired from the integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20," the ministry said in a brief statement.
"The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," it added.
The missile, which uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy.
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Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is primarily designed as a nuclear-capable missile for strategic deterrence.
The missile, which incorporates a ring-laser gyro-based inertial navigation system and thrust vector control for precision, can be quickly launched from road-mobile platforms, increasing survivability and operational flexibility.
The government had earlier said the design and deployment of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.