India Bolsters Nuclear Deterrence Capability With Successful Test Of Over 5,000 Km Range Agni-5 Missile

India on Wednesday (20 August) conducted successful test of its nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile.

The missile was test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.

According to the Defence minister, the test, carried out under the "aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters.

The missile, which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges over 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy.

The ballistic missile is part of the India’s stated policy to have ‘credible minimum deterrence’ that underpins the commitment to ‘No First Use’.

"Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni 5’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20, 2025. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday (20 August).

Earlier this month, India has extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to 4,795 km in the Indian Ocean for the missile test slated for 20-21 August.

NOTAMs are issued to ensure the safety of civilian air and maritime traffic by marking areas to avoid during live-fire trials.

India has conducted over 10 missile or system tests in 2025 alone, including successful trials of the Pralay quasi-ballistic, which achieved precision strikes up to 500 km, and Akash Prime missile in July.

India’s push for advanced missile capabilities is a central part of its defence modernisation drive and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.

Recent years have seen successful tests of long-range systems like the Agni-V — with ranges exceeding 5,000 km — and progress in the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme.

This latest test also gains significance in the context of evolving strategic dynamics in Asia, particularly with the growing missile capabilities of China and Pakistan.

Also Read: India Extends No Fly Zone Warning To 4,795 Km For High-Stakes Missile Test In Indian Ocean Next Week