Agni-V adds punch to India's might

As the nuclear capable inter-continental ballisticmissile (ICBM) Agni-V roared into the sky and hit its splash point beyond 5000 kms across the Indian Ocean, it marked a giant strategic leap for India as it became the sixth nation in the world capable of delivering nuclear warheads across continents.

For a country that has a stated "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons, the missile has added more muscle to its "dissuasive deterrence posture" by bringing the whole of Asia and most of the Europe within its striking envelope. Success of the surface-to-surface nuclear missile Agni-V has altered the global geo-political scenarios in the same manner as had the Pokhran nuclear explosion about 14 years ago. Asia now has two developing
neighbouring countries with the ICBM capabilities. 

The test book launch of Agni-V sparked euphoria amongst the ranks and files of the scientists with the premier military research body the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as the political brass hailed the success.

"Today's successful Agni-V test launch is another milestone in our quest to add to the credibility of our security and preparedness and to continuously explore the frontiers of science," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said while congratulating the team of scientists led by Dr VK Saraswat, the DRDO Chief.

While applauding the "unsung" scientists whose efforts helped in realization of Agni-V dream, Defence Minister AK Antony said termed its maiden flight "a major milestone in country's missile programme". 

It will be in 2014-15 only that the DRDO will be able to hand over a fully operational missile to the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) that handles the nuclear weapons of the country. Even though the scientists diplomatically termed it as a Long-Range Ballistic Missile instead of an ICBM, with its range the missile is "adequate" to counter India's security threat, in an oblique reference to China. Though Chinese has Dong-Feng-31 A missiles with a range of 11,200 kms, Agni-V can hit any of the cities of China in matter of minutes.

"We do not have expeditionary ambitions. We do not have threats across continents. In view of this Agni-V gives India the deterrence it has been looking for," sources said.

The maiden flight of three-stage Agni-V reflects the confidence of the Indian scientists in developing complex missile systems and its spin-off is that India has the wherewithal to develop an anti-satellite missile if it wants. This capability has been demonstrated by China few years back.

India now has an array of missiles in its armour capable of delivering nuclear payloads for between the range of 700 kms- 5,000 plus kms. Agni-V with a canister launch missile system to ensure it has the requisite operational flexibility to be swiftly transported and fired from anywhere.

The success of Agni-V is the second big achievement for India this month. Earlier the Indian Navy had inducted the nuclear-powered attack submarine INS Chakra in its flotilla making it 6th country in the world to operate the sophisticated submarines.