One India:
New Delhi, July 2: After series of successfull tests over the years, the first batch of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni- 5 will soon be inducted into the India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC). SFC is the wing of armed forces that controls India’s missiles and nuclear assets. The first test of Agni-5 was conducted on April 19, 2012, the second on September 15, 2013, the third on January 31, 2015 and the fourth on December 26, 2016. The fifth test was held on January 18. All the five trials were successful.
Very few countries including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea have intercontinental ballistic missiles. In its armoury, India currently has Agni-1 with 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500-km range.
The first batch of Agni-V will be handed over to the SFC “soon”, the sources said while declining to elaborate further on the closely-guarded defence project. The missile is being inducted at a time when India’s neighbourhood is witnessing evolving security threats, a PTI report said.
