India successfully tests nuclear capable Agni-IV ballistic missile; THIS is how far it can strike targets

On Monday, India successfully tested the nuclear capable Agni-IV ballistic missile. The tests were conducted as part of a “night user trial in operational configuration” by the Strategic Forces Command. The test was conducted from the APJ Abdul Kalam island (formerly known as Wheeler Island), located off the coast of Odisha. The defense ministry stated that the test validated the operational parameters as well as reliability of the system. With the Agni-V missile being in the advanced stages, this test has highlighted the military capabilities of the country. Read on to find out what the Agni-IV missile is capable of.

India successfully tests Agni-IV ballistic missile

The Agni missiles are a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India. As the name suggests, Agni missiles are surface-to-surface missiles, meaning it is launched from the surface and is used to hit targets on the surface, as opposed to aerial targets. Agni-I has a range of 700 kilometers, whereas Agni-II and Agni-III have a range of 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers respectively. Agni-IV takes the capability to even further with 4,000 kilometers range. The Agni-V will be the country’s first intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 5,000 kilometers. All the Agni missiles are capable of carrying at least 1,000 kilogram of payload or nuclear warheads.

“The successful test was part of the routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the SFC. The launch validated all operational parameters as also the reliability of the system. The successful test reaffirms India's policy of having a 'credible minimum deterrence' capability,” the defense ministry said, according to a report by the Times of India.

The Agni-IV ballistic missile testing also comes at a time when India is going through an ongoing conflict against China near eastern Ladakh. As the military conflict reaches its third year, there seems to be no signs of de-escalation. It is interesting to note that the Agni-IV missile is capable of striking almost all of mainland China, if launched from the north eastern region of India. As such, this move should also highlight the deterrence capabilities of India.