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?

1. 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.
2. 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.