India has tested the Agni-V ballistic missile, which can carry nuclear warheads. Pralhad Joshi, Minister of the Government of India statedIt was reported that the intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Abdul Kalam Island in the east of Odisha state. On the eve of the test, Indian authorities declared the Bay of Bengal a no-fly zone.

“This missile will make a great contribution to defense and further strengthen national security.‘, said Pralhad Joshi.

It is stated that the three-stage missile can hit targets up to 5,400 km with a high accuracy rate.

India’s missile test came amid rising tensions on its border with China. The five variants of the Agni ballistic missile range, with ranges ranging from 700km to 5,000+km, are considered the backbone of India’s three-stage deterrence strategy. This strategy provides the possibility of using nuclear weapons from air, land and sea platforms. Agni-I missiles are designed to hit targets up to 750 km, Agni-II – 2000 km, Agni-III and Agni-IV – from 3500 to 4500 km, Agni-V – 5000+ km.

The first test of Agni-V, the longest-range missile, took place in 2012. As it will be remembered, India successfully conducted a new generation Agni-P ballistic missile test in October. The Agni-P or Agni-Prime medium range ballistic missile is being developed by the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization as a successor to the Agni-I and Agni-II missiles for the Indian Strategic Forces. Source