India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-V Nuke Missile Capable Of Reaching All Major Chinese Cities

India successfully test-fired its Agni-V nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach all major Chinese cities, Times of India has reported.

The missile was test-fired at 9:53am today from the Abdul Kalam Island missile test facility located off the coast of Odisha.

The Agni-V is a three-stage,solid-fueled missile with a range of about 5,000 km. It is 17-metre long, weighs over 50 tonnes and capable of carrying a 1.1 ton payload.

The missile, often referred to as ‘China Killer’, was successfully test-fired last time on 26 December 2016. India has so far conducted four tests of the missile, all of which have been successful, according to Times Now. At least two of the four tests have been conducted from a canister on a road-mobile launcher.

According to Dr Sanjay Badri-Maharaj, an independent defence analyst, development of the Agni-V missile will mark a major milestone for India’s Credible Minimum Deterrent posture (CMD). Being placed on a road-mobile launcher, the missile will be much more survivable in the event of a preemptive strike.

Also Read:
The Agni-V: The Culmination To Date Of India’s Missile (R)evolution

The Strategic Significance Of Agni V Or Why China Should Be Worried