Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). DRDO had limited the range to only 5,000 km during both the test it has conducted. However, it is understood that the range is "classified" or "understated" for national security reasons, but the Chinese have confirmed that the missile is capable of achieving an expected range of over 8,000 km which clearly bracket it in the ICBM class.
Here are the top 10 facts on the Agni-V Missile:
1) India broke into the exclusive ICBM club of six countries including the United States, Russia, United Kingdom, China and France after launching two successful test flights of Agni-V. Touted as one of the deadliest missile systems in the world by defense analysts across the world, Agni-V achieved single-digit accuracy in its second test which is rare for even missiles of advanced nations.
2) The Agni series of missiles, including Agni-V, is crucial for India’s defence vis-a-vis China since Beijing has upped the ante in recent times by deploying missiles in Tibet Autonomous Region bordering India.
3) Tipped to be a game changer, Agni-V will extend India’s reach all over Asia, parts of Africa and parts of Europe.
4) Once fired, it cannot be stopped. It travels faster than a bullet and can carry 1,000 kilograms of nuclear weapons. Agni-V incorporates advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer systems for navigation and guidance.
5) With a range of 5,000 km, Agni-V, once validated and inducted into the armed forces after more tests, Agni-V will be India’s longest-range missile to carry a nuclear warhead. It will have the capacity to carry a nuclear warhead weighing over a ton.
6) Agni-V has Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability with each missile capable of carrying 2–10 separate nuclear warheads. This means that each warhead can be assigned to a different target, alternatively, two or more warheads can be assigned to one target.
7) Agni-V can be configured to launch small satellites and can be used later even a anti satellite weapon.
8) This 50 ton missile is quite easy to store and can be transported swiftly by road, rail or water because of its canister based launch system.
9) Seventeen metres tall, Agni-V’s three-stages are powered by solid propellants. The first rocket engine takes it to a height of about 40 kilometers The second stage pushes it to about 150 kilometres. The third stage takes it to about 300 kilometres above the Earth. The missile finally reaches a height of about 800 kilometres.
10) The Agni-V is a three stage solid fueled system with sophisticated composite motor casing in the second and third stage. In many aspects, the Agni-V carries forward the Agni-II pedigree. With composites used extensively to reduce weight, and a third stage added Agni-V can fly significantly more to intercontinental ranges.
