Close on the heels of violent clash with Chinese troops in Tawang, India successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km. This test marked a significant boost to the country’s strategic deterrence, said officials.
The Agni-V project is aimed at boosting India’s nuclear deterrence against China which is known to have missiles like Dongfeng-41 having ranges between 12,000-15,000 km.
Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia, including the northernmost part of China as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range.
The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed.
India carried out a similar test of the missile in October last year as well. The successful test firing of the missile paves way for its induction into the Strategic Forces Command that takes care of India’s strategic assets, media quoted reliable sources say.
