Context:

• India successfully test-fired its nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-5—the most advanced missile in the Agni series with a strike range of over 5,000 km from a test range off Odisha coast.

Other Facts:

• The sleek missile was test-fired from a canister launcher, mounted on a mobile platform, at about 9.54 am from No. 4 launch pad of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Abdul Kalam Island, earlier known as Wheeler Island.
• ‘Agni-5’ is most advanced missile in the Agni series with new technologies incorporated in it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. It has a range of over 5000 km.
• “The redundant Navigation systems, very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most modern and accurate Micro Navigation System (MINS) had ensured the missile reached the target point within few metres of accuracy.
• The missile is so programmed that after reaching the peak of its trajectory it will turn towards Earth to continue its journey towards the intended target with an increased speed due to the attraction of the earth’s gravitational pull.
• It also has advantages of higher reliability, longer shelf life, less maintenance and enhanced mobility.

Background:

• India has at present in its armoury of Agni series, Agni-1 with 700 km range, Agni-2 with 2000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2500 km to more than 3500km range. The first test of Agni-5 was conducted on 19 April 2012, the second on 15 September 2013, the third on 31 January 2015 and fourth trial on 26 December 2016 from the same base.