India on Thursday successfully carried out the night trial of the Agni-5 nuclear-capable ballistic missile which can hit targets beyond 5,000 kms. The trial took place amid heightened tension at the China border in Arunachal Pradesh following a clash between the troops of the two countries in the Tawang sector last week.
The test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile which is now lighter than before, defence sources said, adding that the trial has proved the capability to enhance the range of the Agni-5 missile.
The launch was carried out around 5.30 pm from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. The missile has been made lighter by adding lighter composite material which will enable the missile to go longer ranges.
This is the 9th flight of the Agni-5. First tested in 2012, the missile brings even the northern most part of China within its strike envelope. Agni-5 was last test fired in October 2021.
In June, India successfully carried out a night launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile. Existing variant Agni IV is capable of hitting targets at a range of 4,000 km while Agni-III has a range of 3,000-km, and Agni II can fly up to 2,000-km.
