By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 26, 2016: India on Monday successfully test-fired Agni-5, the country’s longest intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable missile, from the Kalam Island off the Odisha coast at about 11.06 AM.

The missile can target almost all of Asia, including Pakistan and China. Besides, it can also successfully hit targets Europe, source said adding that this was the first flight-test of the Agni-5 missile after India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

MTCR is a 35-nation group that keeps check on the spread of unmanned delivery systems for nuclear weapons.

With a range of over 5,000 km, the solid-propellant Agni-5 can carry about a 1,000-kg warhead and capable of causing huge devastation in the targeted region.

After a few more trials, the ammunition will soon join India’s military arsenal.

While India has already in its arsenal Agni 1, 2, 3 and 4 missiles and supersonic cruise missiles like Brahmos, Agni-5 will inducted into the defence system after a few more successful trial tests.

Developed by Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the Agni series missiles such as Agni-1 (700-km range), Agni-2 (2,000 km range) Agni-3 (2,500 km range) and Agni-4 3,500 km range have considerably added to country’s military strength.

Since it is tested from a canister, the 17-metre long Agni-5 gives it all-weather and any terrain mobile launch capability.

Weighing about 50 tonnes, Agni-5 is a very agile and modern weapon system.

Described “a weapon of peace,” Agni-5 is a ‘fire-and-forget’ system that cannot be easily detected by the enemies as it follows a ballistic trajectory, say experts.

The nuclear capable ballistic missile, the latest in India’s ‘Agni’ family of medium to intercontinental range missiles, – has been through three trials before.

The missile was tested by completely a new group of scientists led by Dr V Sateesh Reddy, programme director, Agni-5, and scientific advisor to the defence minister.

Dr MRM Babu, programme director and G Ramguru, project director, Agni-5, – supervised the test operations.

“The fourth successful test-firing of Agni-5 has boosted India’s indigenous missile capability and deterrence power of the country,” a defence official said.

With new technology and navigation and guidance, Agni 5 missile gives India the strategic depth it needs to contain its enemies, say scientists with knowledge of missile technology.

Agni-6 is reported to be in early stages of development. The missile will have the capability to be launched from submarines as well as from land, with a strike-range of 8,000-10,000 km.