India marked another milestone in its defense program with the successful test-firing of its Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), the Agni V, on Wednesday. The launch took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, and was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile met all technical and operational benchmarks during the test on August 20, 2025.
The Agni V system has long been considered the backbone of India’s strategic missile program. Built with indigenous technology, it incorporates sophisticated avionics and highly accurate sensor systems that ensure precise targeting. Its three-stage solid-fuel propulsion system enables stable performance and reliable long-distance engagement.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Agni V is one of India’s most powerful long-range missiles. It currently has a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, positioning it among the top missile systems globally. Reports earlier this year suggested that DRDO is working on upgrades to push its range to nearly 7,500 kilometers, significantly expanding India’s strike capability.
One of Agni V’s defining features is its Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability, which allows it to release up to three warheads against separate targets simultaneously. This advanced functionality greatly increases its strategic value, providing India with an edge in maintaining credible deterrence.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this successful test reaffirms India’s policy of credible minimum deterrence and highlights the operational readiness of its armed forces. It also reflects the country’s progress in mastering cutting-edge navigation, guidance, and warhead technologies.
Looking ahead, future versions of Agni V are expected to include specialized warheads, such as “bunker-buster” munitions capable of neutralizing hardened underground facilities. Since its first test in April 2012, Agni V has undergone around ten launches, each contributing to refining its design and performance.
This latest trial strengthens India’s defense preparedness and signals the nation’s steady advancement in long-range missile technology, underscoring its determination to safeguard national security interests in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
