Agni 5 is a nuclear capable, surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is the longest range missile in the Agni missile series and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The missile has a range of over 5,000 km and can strike targets across Asia and Europe.
The Agni 5 missile is part of India’s nuclear deterrent program and is designed to be a “deterrent against China and Pakistan.” It is also seen as a means of asserting India’s status as a regional power and a member of the “nuclear club.”
The Agni V is a three-stage solid-fuelled missile. The first stage of the missile is powered by a solid rocket motor, while the second and third stages are powered by a more advanced and powerful solid rocket motor. The solid rocket motor is a type of rocket engine that uses solid fuel, such as a mixture of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP), instead of liquid fuel. This type of fuel is more stable and easier to store, making it a convenient choice for long-range missiles like Agni-5. The solid rocket motors used in Agni-5 are capable of producing high thrust, which is necessary to lift the missile from the launch pad and accelerate it to a high velocity.
The missile is 17 meters long, 2 meters wide and has a launch weight of 50 tons. It is a three-stage solid-fuel missile that can carry a payload of 1,500 kg. The missile is equipped with advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems.
Agni-5 was first successfully test fired on April 19, 2012. It was launched from the Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha in India, and the test was considered successful as the missile reached its intended range of over 5000 km and hit its target in the Indian Ocean.
In 2021, India tested the nuclear capable version of Agni V successfully and as per Ministry of Defence, “A successful missile test of the surface-to-surface Agni-5, was carried out on October 27, 2021 at approximately 1950 hrs from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha”
Speed of Agni 5
The speed of Agni V is classified, but it is believed to be around Mach 24, which is approximately 29,500 km/h. This speed is achieved through the powerful solid rocket motors used in the missile and its aerodynamic design.
The high speed of Agni-5 allows the missile to cover long distances quickly and reduces the time it is exposed to potential countermeasures. Additionally, the speed of the missile makes it harder to intercept, as it can cover large distances in a short amount of time, and any defence system would have limited time to respond.
It’s worth mentioning that the speed of a missile is not constant, it will vary as the missile goes through different stages of its flight, the initial boost phase, the mid-course and the terminal phase. During the boost phase, the missile will reach its maximum speed, then it will slow down during the mid-course phase, and again accelerate during the terminal phase.
The high speed of Agni-5, combined with its long range and advanced guidance systems, make it a formidable weapon in India’s arsenal.
The Agni-5 missile is a significant development for India’s defense capabilities and has received widespread attention from the international community.
India has a “no-first-use” policy on nuclear weapons, which means that the country will not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict, and that it will only use them in response to a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces.