Agni V missile was successfully tested days after the clash in Tawang

• Image Credit: India today

• Dec 16, 2022 | Poonam Nath

India successfully tested the nuclear-capable Agni V missile, having a range of up to 5,000 kilometres...

Digital Desk: India successfully tested the nuclear-capable Agni V missile on Thursday, which is capable of attacking targets at ranges of up to 5,000 kilometres with a high degree of accuracy. 

According to defence officials, India successfully accomplished night trials of the Agni V nuclear-capable ballistic missile today. This comes only days after Indian and Chinese troops battled in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang area.

The test was carried out to validate new technology and equipment on the missile, which is now lighter than before. However according to defence sources, the trial demonstrated the possibility to increase the range of the Agni V missile if necessary. 

The missile was fired from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, amid India's ongoing border dispute with China.

What you need to know about the Agni V Missile Project: 

The Agni V project is directed at enhancing India's nuclear deterrence against China, which is reported to have missiles like Dongfeng-41 having ranges between 12,000-15,000 km. 

Agni V has the ability to strike practically the whole Asia, including the northernmost section of China and some locations in Europe. 

The Agni 1 through 4 missiles have ranges ranging from 700 to 3,500 kilometres and have already been deployed. 

India conducted a similar missile test in October of last year.

In June, India successfully launched a nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile at night, bolstering India's military capabilities. Following the test, India's defence minister confirmed its stance of possessing a "credible minimum deterrence capability."