(Image source from: })
India successfully tested its intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-5 was tested from the Wheeler Island off Odisha coast on Saturday morning.
Agni-5 has a strike range of over 5000 kms and can carry a nuclear warhead of over one tonne, from Wheeler's Island off Odisha coast.
The three stage, solid propellant "missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher from the launch complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 8.06 hours," ITR Director MV KV Prasad said.
An eye-witness said, "The sleek missile, just within a few seconds of its blast-off from the Island launchpad roared majestically into a clear sunny sky leaving behind in its trajectory a trail of thin orange and white column of smoke and within seconds it pierced the sky".
Today's launch was the third developmental trial of the long-range missile. The first test was conducted on 19 April, 2012 and the second test on 15 September, 2013 from the same base.
India has at present in its armoury of Agni series, Agni-1 with 700 km range, Agni-2 with 2000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2500 km to more than 3500 range. After a few more trials, Agni-5 will be inducted into the services.
-Arun Kumar
