India has successfully test fired its Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile off the Odisha Coast this morning.  Amidst a gathering of talent and intellect comprising scientists and other engineers who took part in the development of the missile, the 5000 kilometre range Agni-5 was tested from Wheeler Island in Odisha.

It may be noted that Agni-5 was scheduled was postponed till the last minute over bad weather and safety conditions.

The DRDO has already given a notice to airmen to ensure that flight operations kept on hold in the testing range.  The tracking stations were said to record the speed of the missile.

With the successful launch of this missile, India became fifth country in the world that has the capability to launch Inter-Continental Ballitic Missile( ICBM).

So far only US, Russia, China and France were capable of test firing ICBMs.  This programme is undoubtedly a giant leap in the country’s military operations. Agni 5 has the capability of hitting multiple targets and can be launched from land-based mobile platforms.

The DRDO officials have said that it would take around a year to further develop Agni 5. It may be recalled that DRDO launched 3500 kilometre range Agni 4 in November 2011. (Phani)