Nuclear-capable ICBM Agni-V test fired

Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile was fired on Thursday morning from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

Last tested on December 26, 2016, the Agni-V was then described as the fourth and final experimental test of the three-stage missile.

Now, in its final operational configuration, the missile is taking another step forward toward its eventual induction into the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

It is capable of reaching the northern-most parts of China with its strike range of over 5,000-km but there’s no immediate confirmation whether the missile has met all the parameters laid down for the test.

The canister-launch version of the missile makes it deadlier since it gives the armed forces requisite flexibility to swiftly transport and fire the 17-metre long Agni-V missile from any location they prefer.

India will be joining the super-exclusive club of countries with ICBMs (missiles with a range of over 5,000-5,500km) alongside the US, Russia, China, France and the UK following the induction of the Agni-V.