Successful test of ‘Agni 5’ and its strategic importance

Published: 1st Nov, 2021

Context

India successfully test-fired ‘Agni-5’, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.

Important facts about the missile

The successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.
The missile is already inducted into services and is operated by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
- SFC is a key tri-services formation that manages and administers all the strategic forces and falls under the purview of the Nuclear Command Authority of India.
The successful testing of Agni-5 marked an important milestone in defence capabilities of India.
It uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, was carried out recently, signifying India’s defence capabilities.
The missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km with a high degree of accuracy.

Nature

Canistered surface-to-surface ballistic missile
Canisterization reduces the time required for launch & improving storage & ability

Background

The first test of the Agni-5 missile was carried out in April 2012. Last test was conducted around three years ago in 2018.
They are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability.

How it puts India’s strategic stance in the region?

Strategic signaling: This test being conducted is being looked at strong strategic posturing towards China in the context of a 17-month long stand-off.
China’s capabilities: In the context of a test of nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle conducted by China in August this year that circled the globe before speeding towards its target.

Nuclear Triad

A nuclear triad comprises land-based ICBM (inter-continental ballistic missile), SLBM (INS Arihant) and strategic bomber aircraft (sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000) .
These tests are a strong reminder to the adversaries about our capabilities.
Agni Missile Family
The name Agni originates from the Sanskrit word for fire and is taken in the context of Agni being one of the five primary elements of Panch Mahabhutas.

Agni I: Range of 700-800 km
Agni II: Range more than 2000 km
Agni III: Range of more than 2,500 Km
Agni IV: Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road mobile launcher
Agni-V: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km

No-first use policy

India maintains the ‘Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states’, the doctrine states that ‘in the event of a major attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.’

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