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Successful Test of India’s Most Powerful Agni-5 Missile: Capable of Reaching Northern China

By Pavitra Ganapathi Baradavalli
Successful Test of India’s Most Powerful Agni-5 Missile: Capable of Reaching Northern China

India successfully tested its most powerful nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni-5, on August 20, 2025, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. With a range exceeding 5,000 km, the missile is capable of reaching northern parts of China, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 missile operates with a three-stage solid-fuel engine.

Bhubaneswar: India successfully tested its most powerful nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni-5, on August 20, 2025, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. With a range exceeding 5,000 km, the missile is capable of reaching northern parts of China, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-5 missile operates with a three-stage solid-fuel engine. The test, conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), successfully validated all operational and technical parameters. The missile features a canister-based launch system, enabling long-term storage, transportation, and rapid deployment.read also: PM Modi speaks with Putin on phone... India supports peace in Ukraine!


The Agni-5 is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing a single missile to deploy 3-4 nuclear warheads, each capable of striking separate targets hundreds of kilometers apart. The first successful test of MIRV technology under ‘Mission Divyastra’ on March 11, 2024, confirmed this capability.The Agni-5 strengthens India’s ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ policy, based on the ‘No First Use’ principle. With a range of 5,000-7,000 km, it can target economic hubs like Beijing in northern China. Designed as a counter to China’s Dongfeng-41 missiles (12,000-15,000 km), the Agni-5 enhances India’s strategic defense.Prime Minister’s AppreciationPrime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated DRDO scientists for the successful test, stating on X, “The successful test of the Agni-5 missile further strengthens India’s defense capabilities.read also: Bengaluru Requires 80 Acres of Land for Twin-Tube Tunnel Construction

It showcases the dedication and technological prowess of our scientists.”Conducted amid ongoing tensions along the India-China border in Ladakh, the test sends a strong message to China. Some Chinese media speculated the missile’s range could be 8,000 km, though DRDO has kept this information confidential. Pakistan has also expressed concern, noting that the missile brings their entire country within its range.Technical Specifications

  • Range: 5,000-7,500 km (extendable if required)

  • Weight: 50,000 kg

  • Length: 17.5 meters

  • Speed: 24 times the speed of sound (Mach 24)

  • Navigation System: Ring Laser Gyro-based Inertial Guidance

  • Payload Capacity: 1,100 kg (2-4 tons with MIRV)

  • Launch System: Canister-based, road-mobile Transport-cum-Tilting Vehicle-5 (TCT-5)


This successful test places India among elite nations like the United States, Russia, China, France, and the UK with MIRV technology. The Agni-5 missile strengthens India’s defense capabilities and paves the way for the development of the Agni-6 ICBM in the future.JUNEBERRY® 100% Pure Cotton Oversized Loose Baggy Fit Drop Shoulder Half Sleeve Round Neck Cool Front Teddy Printed Cork & White T-Shirt for Women/Girls (Available in from S to 2XL)