Agni-5 Missile | 22 Aug 2025

Source: PIB 

India successfully test-fired Agni-5, a nuclear-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) to validate operational and technical parameters and maintain credible minimum deterrence. 

Agni-5 Missile 

• About: It is an advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SSBM) developed under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). 
  • It is one of the five missiles developed under IGMDP, alongside Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash. 
• Range: Around 5,000 km. 
• Significance: With its Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) capable IRBM technology, Agni-5 places India among a select group of nations including the USA, Russia, China, and France. 

Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missiles (SSBMs) 

• About: SSBMs are missiles designed to be launched from the ground (or ships/submarines) to strike targets on land or at sea.  
  • SSBMs can be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads. 
• Classification (Based on Range):  
  • Short-Range Missiles (SRM): Less than 1000 km 
  • Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM): 1,000–3,000 km 
  • Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM): 3,000–5,500 km 
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM): Above 5,500 km