India successfully tests Agni-V intercontinental missile
| Editor's Note |
India Thursday successfully testfired its homemade nuclear-capable Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range of 5,000 kilometers, off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha, sources said.
"The missile, with a strike range of over 5,000 kilometers, was testfired at 08:07 am local time from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast, hitting the target 5,000 kilometer away.
| Latest News |
India testfires intercontinental Agni-V ballistic missile off eastern coast
"We have done it. Superhit," said V.L. Saraswat, chief of the India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
India postpones missile test
India delayed the test of its first long-range missile Wednesday due to bad weather, but analysts noted that the development of such weaponry demonstrates the country's ambition to become a major world power.
India being swept up by missile delusion
India announced a test of its long-range nuclear-capable Agni-V missile. The missile has a range of over 5,000 kilometers, meaning it could reach China. India apparently is hoping to enter the global intercontinental missile club, despite intercontinental missiles normally having a range of over 8,000 km.
| Illustrating Agni-V |
The three-stage, solid-fuelled, nuclear capable Agni-V missile, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has a maximum engagement range of 5,000 kilometers, according to Indian media reports.
Agni-V can carry a one-ton payload (meaning a nuclear warhead) and is configured for carrying multiple warheads which can be guided to separate targets independently -- thereby giving the missile a MIRV (multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicle) capability. This is a major technological achievement combining as it does guidance and control with miniaturisation of the warhead. Thus, Agni-V will be fitted with a PBCV (post boost control vehicle) and a rigorous post-launch technical evaluation will establish the credibility of the missile and its MIRV index.
Source: Reuters-Global Times
| India's Previous Missiles |
Photo: tom.news.huanqiu.com-Globaltimes.cn
Source: sina.com.cn Graphics: Globaltimes.cn
 File Photo: Agni-I Photo: Xinhua |
India successfully test fires Agni-I nuclear capable missile India successfully test-fired its nuclear capable Agni-I strategic ballistic missile on December 1, 2011, with a strike range of 700 km, as part of the Army's user trial from the test range at Wheeler Island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa, reported local media. |
 File Photo: Agni-II Photo: Xinhua |
India successfully test fires nuke-capable Agni II missile India successfully test fired its home developed nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile on September 30, 2011, off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa, an official said. |
 File Photo: Agni- III Photo: Xinhua |
India successfully testfires nuke-capable Agni III missile India successfully testfired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile on February 5 off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa, Defense Ministry sources said. |
 File Photo:Agni-IV Photo: Xinhua |
India successfully launched the Agni-IV India successfully launched the Agni-IV with a range of 3,500 km last year. |
 File Photo:Agni-V Photo: Xinhua |
India successfully testfires Agni-V intercontinental missile India Thursday successfully test fired the Agni-V intercontinental missile off the eastern coast of Odisha, said official sources. |
| Voices |
Source: Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDO), Government of India Graphics: Google/GT
According to China's standard, an ICBM should have a range of at least 8,000 kilometers. The Agni-V's range could be further enhanced to become an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile.
Zhang Zhaozhong, a professor with the People's Liberation Army National Defense University, told the Global Times. -Global Times
The Agni-V actually has the potential to reach targets 8,000 kilometers away, but the Indian government had deliberately downplayed the missile's capability in order to avoid causing concern to other countries.
Du Wenlong, a researcher at China's PLA Academy of Military Sciences, told the Global Times that -Global Times
This is one of the longest-range missiles we will have tested. It will enhance our deterrence capabilities. It could reach Iran... beyond that."
Jeganaathan, an analyst at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies in Delhi. -The Independent
The missile was seen purely as a deterrent and that India had a declared "no-first-use" policy. However, it will be a quantum leap in India's strategic capability.
Ravi Gupta, a spokesman for the DRDO -AP
The launch will mark a "historic day. Agni-V is a game-changer and a technological marvel. It is a weapon which can perform multiple functions.
VK Saraswat, scientific adviser to Defence Minister AK Antony. -BBC
Internet voices
Navtrek (Global Times reader):
India has a no first use policy so China has nothing to worry about it. India stands and has always stood for peace. Cheers!
Shaan (Global Times reader):
I agree, China and India should work closely on international arena.
Fred (Global Times reader):
When will India ever learn that China has no desire to compare achievements with them. Understanding the history of the wars of the last few centuries, especially the last few decades, India will see who are the real culprits and enemies to peace. If India wants to be the best in weaponry, compare yourself with the US, after all you are among their largest clients. The more you compare with China, you are making yourself inferior. China is not and does not want to be your enemy.
| Intl Concerns |
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Global Times India announced a test of its long-range nuclear-capable Agni-V missile. The missile has a range of over 5,000 kilometers, meaning it could reach China. India apparently is hoping to enter the global intercontinental missile club, despite intercontinental missiles normally having a range of over 8,000 km. People’s Daily A People's Daily commentary titled "Risks behind India's military buildup" said the development of Agni-V shows Indian's intention to seek a regional balance of power. |
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The Hindustan Times Once the missile is introduced to India's strategic strike force, it will give India the capability to target all of Asia, including the northernmost parts of China and large parts of Europe as well. The Indian Firstpost The success of the mission would propel India into the club of nations possessing the technology to develop an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). The Times of India India has developed a series of ballistic missiles in the past decades. Analysts say while short range missiles Agni-I and II are regarded as Pakistan-specific, Agni-III, IV and V are perceived to be China-specific. |
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Reuters India to test Agni-V The run-up to the Agni-V missile launch has seen many references to China and the fact that with a 5,000-km missile India will now be able to 'balance' its imposing neighbour. The reality is more modest. China already has a range of proven ICBM in its inventory that straddle the 5,000 to 10,000 km bandwidth. India cannot acquire any equivalence with China in the WMD domain, nor is it warranted. |
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BBC: India delays test launch of Agni-V long-range missile Defence analyst Rahul Bedi says a successful test flight of the Agni-V missile, which is capable of delivering a single 1.5-ton warhead deep inside nuclear rival China's territory, would strengthen India's nuclear deterrence once it comes into service by 2014-15. |
| Video |
India testfires long range missile
Source: CNTV.cn
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