Agni-V to be inducted soon

India is in the process of inducting the first batch of its intercontinental ballistic missile system - Agni-V - which will bring targets across China within its range, and is expected to significantly bolster the country’s military prowess.

The missile system, capable of carrying nuclear warhead, is being inducted into the elite Strategic Forces Command. It has been successfully test-fired five times. Other pre-induction tests are being planned in next few weeks.

Has strike range of 5,000 km

• With a strike range of 5,000 km, Agni-V is capable of bringing targets across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, under its range
• In June, it was successfully test-fired off the Odisha coast and the sources said a number of other pre-induction tests are being planned in the next few weeks
• India currently has Agni-1 with a 700-km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with a 2,500-km to more than 3,500-km range