India succesfully test-fires 'Agni 5': All about the ballistic missile; why Pakistan is on edge

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.

The launch took place on August 20, 2025, under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the ministry of defence said in a statement.
The test validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile, confirming its reliability and accuracy. Defence officials said the launch was part of routine user trials carried out to ensure the readiness of the system.

Agni-5, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is one of India’s most advanced long-range missiles, capable of striking targets well beyond 5,000 kilometers. Designed with modern navigation, guidance, warhead, and engine technologies, the missile strengthens India’s strategic deterrence capability.

The ministry of defence said the successful launch reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining a credible minimum deterrence posture and underlined the preparedness of its armed forces.

Things to know about Agni-5

• Nuclear-capable ICBM: Agni-5 is a land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capability, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Extended range: Designed for nuclear use, Agni-5 has a range of over 5,000 kilometres. DRDO is working on an upgraded variant with an expected range of up to 7,500 kilometres.
• MIRVed test launch: On March 11, 2024, India conducted the first MIRVed test launch of Agni-5 from Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, validating its ability to carry and release multiple warheads.
• Warhead capacity: The missile is capable of carrying and firing up to three nuclear warheads simultaneously.
• Future enhancements: New variants under development aim to integrate bunker-buster bomb technology, expanding the missile’s strike capability against fortified targets.