The second test of the 5,000-km-range Agni V nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was successfully carried out on Sunday from Wheeler’s Island off the Orissa coast, nearly one-and-a-half years after the successful maiden launch of the same missile in April, 2012.
The missile is viewed as a strong deterrent against China as it is capable of hitting any part of that country. Sources said the missile flew over the planned distance of over 4,500 km for Sunday’s test and hit the target with “expected precision” in the seas beyond southeast Asia. Two to four more tests of the missile are planned to fully validate the missile after which it will be inducted into the armed forces, possibly within the next three years.