India has conducted a flight test of theAgni-V intermediate‐range ballistic missile.Pictured above is an image from an earlier trial of the Agni-V. (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has conducted a flight test of the Agni-V intermediate‐range ballistic missile (IRBM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the northeastern coast of Odisha, the Indian Army said.
A senior Indian Army official told Janes that the SFC validated the maximum operational range of the missile with the test. “The test was conducted to validate the new lightweight equipment on the missile,” the official said.
“The lightweight equipment was fitted to increase the range of the missile. The SFC evaluated the missile at a full operational range of 5,500 km with the test,” the official added.
He said that the test was “successful and established the accuracy” of the Agni-V missile.
A Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official told Janes that the flight test conducted by the SFC was a “service test and not a trial conducted by the DRDO”.
“The development of the Agni-V missile is completed. The SFC is now testing the missiles. This is called a service test or user trial. The Agni-V missile is ready for induction,” the official added.
According to Janes Strategic Weapons , Agni-V is a nuclear-capable missile that can carry either a single or multiple warheads. The maximum range of the missile varies from 5,000 to 8,000 km.
The Agni-V is a solid‐fuel weapon that employs a composite motor casing in its second and third stages to reduce weight.
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