Agni 5 test-flight successfully completed

The nation today conducted the second test flight of its ballistic missile the Agni 5. The test was conducted at the Wheeler's island at Orissa coast. The first flight of the missile was conducted on April 19 last year. The missile with a range of 5000 plus kilometers added India to the elite group of countries - US, Russia, China, France and Britain to have the technology developed for the ICBM or the inter-continental ballistic missiles.

The indigenously built missile is 17-metre-high and two-metre-wide and can carry a payload of 1.5 tonne, has most of the countries in the world in its striking distance. The missile is capable of reaching deep into China and can hit even Beijing and also as far as Europe. The missile can be seen as a major step towards countering the Chineese dominance in the region.

Unlike other missiles of indigenous Agni series, the latest one 'AGNI-V' is the most advanced version having some new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. Many new indigenous technologies developed were successfully tested in the first Agni-V trial.

Agni-5 gives India the ability to launch nuclear weapons from strategic bombers and submarines. This is a very versatile missile that can be kept hidden and be moved easily to required point by road or via rail. It will give India the ability to hit back or have second-strike capability even after a nuclear attack.

After some more trials, Agni-V will be inducted into the services, the sources said.