Agni-5 Missile, History, Range, Types & Significance
UPSC Prelims
Current affairs
Latest Update
Gajendra Singh Godara
Aug 24, 2025
10
mins read
India’s Agni missiles are a family of indigenous long-range, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles developed under the Defence Ministry’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is one of the five missiles developed under IGMDP, alongside Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash, Initiated in 1983 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s leadership, IGMDP aimed for self-reliance in missile technology. Over decades, it yielded operational Agni variants from Agni-I (short-range) to Agni-V.
Agni-5 missile, first tested in 2012, is the most advanced: a road-mobile, three-stage solid-propellant Intermediate Ballistic Missile with a range beyond 5,000 km. It incorporates MIRV technology – multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles – allowing one missile to deliver several nuclear warheads. This capability provides India a credible long-range deterrent against threats.
Why in the News?
Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni 5’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20, 2025. It was carried out under the aegis of Strategic Forces Command. Agni-5 missile is a road‑mobile, three‑stage solid‑fuel ballistic missile with canisterized launch readiness and a range beyond 5,000 km, reinforcing credible long‑range deterrence. The trial validated all operational and technical parameters and reflects high operational maturity, reaffirming Agni‑5’s central role in India’s strategic arsenal.
Technical Capabilities
Range & Payload:
Agni-5 is rated as an intercontinental-capable missile.
It has an operational range of about 5,000–5,500 km, putting all of northern China (including Beijing) within reach.
It can carry a heavy nuclear payload (≈1.5 tonnes) or multiple warheads.
MIRV Capability:
Agni-5’s key advancement is Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV).
In tests under Mission Divyastra, one Agni-5 delivered 3–4 nuclear warheads, each aimed at different targets.
This means a single missile can engage multiple distant targets, greatly multiplying its deterrent effect.
Propulsion & Design:
It is a solid-propellant, three-stage rocket. Solid fuel allows rapid launch readiness and simpler storage (no fueling delays).
The three stages boost it to high speed and altitude; final re-entry velocity is several times Mach.
Advanced Features:
Modern Avionics and thrust-vectoring ensure reliable flight.
The canister-launch design and solid fuel make Agni-5 rugged in diverse conditions.
Overall, Agni-5’s technical parameters (range, speed, payload, MIRVs, mobility) have been validated by multiple successful flight tests.
Types of Agni Missiles
Comparison Table: Indian ballistic missiles, including Prithvi (SRBM), Agni series (IRBM/ICBM), showing relative sizes and ranges.
Variant | Range | Key Features | Deployment / Status |
Agni-I | ~700 km (typical), up to 1,200 km (lighter load) | Solid-fuel, single-stage, road-mobile, ~1,000 kg nuclear warhead | First deployed by SFC in 2007 |
Agni-II | ~2,000 km (flexible to ~3,000 km) | Two-stage, solid-fuel, ~1,000 kg nuclear warhead | Entered service mid-2000s |
Agni-III | ~3,500 km | Two-stage, solid-fuel, rail-mobile, ~1,500 kg payload | — |
Agni-IV | Up to 4,000 km | Two-stage, solid-fuel, highly accurate (CEP <100 m), ~1,000 kg nuclear warhead | Introduced 2011 |
Agni-V | ~5,000–5,500 km | Three-stage, solid-fuel, IRBM; can carry 1.5-tonne warhead or MIRVed warheads | First tested 2012; inducted into SFC |
Agni-Prime (Agni-P) | ~1,000–2,000 km | New-generation, two-stage, canisterised solid-propellant; lighter, enhanced guidance | First tested 2021; pre-induction trials |
Agni-VI (under development) | ~6,000–10,000 km (some sources: up to 11–12 000 km) | Next-gen ICBM, two-stage (with possible strap-on boosters), MIRVs, land/submarine-launch capable | Under development |
Significance of Agni 5 for India’s Defense
Long-Range Deterrence: As an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni‑5 extends India’s deterrent to nearly all of China and into Europe (~5,000–5,500 km), and its road‑mobile, canisterized launch plus MIRV integration secures a survivable, decisive second‑strike option.
ICBM Club Membership: With Agni-5, India has developed an advanced IRBM with potential ICBM capability. While currently classified as an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (5,000+ km), its extended variants could potentially reach ICBM ranges, positioning India closer to joining the exclusive ICBM club.
Strategic Posture vs China/Pakistan: Agni 5 serves as a counter-balance to China’s long-range missiles (e.g. DF-41). It also complements deterrence against Pakistan (which faces a smaller Agni-IV threat). In the Indo-Pacific context, it aligns with India’s role in forums like the Quad (India–US–Japan–Australia) as a stabilizing power.
Self-Reliance Showcase: The missile’s success underscores India’s defence R&D. Developed by DRDO under IGMDP and successive projects, Agni 5 is made with indigenous technology. Government leaders (PM, President) hailed the test as a self-reliance milestone. This bolsters national confidence in homegrown defence capabilities.
Read more on Pralay Missile : Pralay Missile India’s 1st Indigenously Developed Short-Range, Quasi-Ballistic Missile, Features, Range
Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM)
SSBMs are powered initially by a rocket, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target.
Weapons Type: Can carry both nuclear or conventional warheads.
Missile range classification:
Short-range (less than 1,000 km), also known as tactical ballistic missiles.
Medium-range (1000-3000 km).
Intermediate-range (3,000 to 5,500 km).
Long-range (more than 5,500 km), also known as Strategic or Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
UPSC Previous year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following statements
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
UPSC Mains
Q. How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (UPSC Mains 2021)
The Agni 5 missile represents a major milestone in India’s strategic defense command. Its successful test confirms a 5,000+ km range, solid-fuel, road-mobile design and advanced MIRV capability. By extending India’s reach to far-off targets, Agni 5 greatly enhances deterrence and second-strike security. The missile’s performance validates years of DRDO R&D under IGMDP, showcasing India’s self-reliance in cutting-edge rocket technology. With Agni-5 in its arsenal, India not only joins the world’s Intermediate Ballistic Missile-equipped nations but also sends a clear signal of credible nuclear deterrence. In short, Agni-5 strengthens India’s defense credibility and solidifies its strategic posture in a changing security environment.
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