Kashmir, August 20, 2025 – India achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test-firing of the Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The launch, conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic defense posture, according to the Ministry of Defence.The Agni-5, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a nuclear-capable missile with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, capable of targeting almost the entire Asian continent and parts of Europe. This test marks another step in India’s pursuit of credible minimum deterrence and self-reliance in defense technology under the Aatmanirbharta initiative.
The missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, can deliver multiple warheads to different targets, enhancing its strategic strike capability.The Ministry of Defence stated, “The Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-5’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters and was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.” The test involved a three-stage solid-fueled engine, advanced navigation and guidance systems, and stealth features to reduce detection, ensuring pinpoint accuracy in striking targets.This successful trial follows the March 2024 test of the MIRV-capable Agni-5 under Mission Divyastra, which was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “technological milestone.” The DRDO is also reportedly developing an upgraded variant of the Agni-5 with an extended range of up to 7,500 kilometers and bunker-buster capabilities, further strengthening India’s strategic arsenal.The Agni series, a cornerstone of India’s nuclear triad, includes missiles like Agni-1 (700 km), Agni-2 (2,000 km), Agni-3 (3,500 km), and Agni-4 (4,000 km), all of which are deployed, with the Agni-6 under development.
The successful test has drawn international attention, with concerns raised by Pakistan’s Strategic Vision Institute (SVI) about regional stability, citing India’s growing missile technology and naval nuclear capabilities.This achievement underscores India’s commitment to advancing its defence technology and maintaining a robust strategic deterrence framework in an evolving global security landscape.
