Agni-5 Missile

Manufacturer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation + Micro Navigation System (MINS)
Maximum Speed Estimated Mach 20–24 during re-entry
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile canisterized launcher
Warhead Technology Nuclear-capable; Single warhead with potential MIRV capability

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Agni-5 (Agni V)
Type / Role	Long-Range Ballistic Missile / Strategic Nuclear Delivery System
Country of Origin	India
Manufacturer	DRDO (Development), BDL (Production)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Testing since 2012; Strategic deployment ongoing
Operational Status	Active in limited numbers with India’s Strategic Forces Command

2. Performance & Range

Range	~5,000 km officially; up to 8,000+ km (unconfirmed open-source estimates)
Speed	Mach 20–24 (terminal phase)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Exo-atmospheric flight; space midcourse trajectory
Accuracy (CEP)	High accuracy with advanced INS (estimated within tens of meters)
Warhead Type	Nuclear (single or potential MIRV payloads)

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Ring Laser Gyro INS + Micro Navigation System
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed ballistic targeting; MIRV bus (future capability)
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-mobile TEL (Transporter-Erector-Launcher)
Seeker Type	None (ballistic missile; midcourse inertial guidance only)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	~17.5 m
Diameter	~2.0 m
Wingspan	N/A (ballistic missile)
Launch Weight	~50,000 kg
Propulsion	Three-stage solid-fuel rocket motors

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~1,000–1,500 kg (est.)
Explosive Type	Nuclear warhead
Detonation Mechanism	Re-entry triggered fuse
Payload Options	Single RV or MIRV-capable (multiple re-entry vehicles)

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long-range / Intercontinental-class
Deployment Platform	Road-mobile canister launcher (high survivability)
Target Types	Strategic infrastructure, high-value military assets
Combat Proven	No (strategic deterrent weapon)
Users / Operators	India (Strategic Forces Command)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Capable of 5,000 km+ range consolidates India’s long-range strike capability.
Three-stage solid-fuel design offers rapid launch readiness and reliability.
Advanced navigation (RINS + MINS) improves warhead accuracy.
Canisterised, road-mobile launcher supports survivability and flexibility.
Potential MIRV capability allows multiple independent warheads per missile.

CONS

Very high cost per unit and maintenance for solid propellant ICBMs.
Strategic deployment may provoke regional arms races.
MIRV integration raises proliferation and arms control concerns.
Road-mobile infrastructure still requires secure logistics and protection.
Limited transparency on CEP (accuracy) and actual operational numbers.

Agni-5 Strategic Ballistic Missile

The Agni-5 missile stands out as one of India’s most advanced long-range strategic weapons — a cornerstone of its nuclear deterrence posture. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this road-mobile, three-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile reflects New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining a credible second-strike capability.

Origin and Purpose

Agni V was designed for intercontinental or near-intercontinental roles, pushing India’s strategic reach deep into Asia, and potentially into parts of Europe. With a declared range of around 5,000 km, it can cover key regional adversaries and reinforce India’s nuclear doctrine of “credible minimum deterrence.”

Key Capabilities

Three-Stage Solid Propellant: Each stage uses solid-fuel motors, enhancing reliability, quick launch readiness, and shelf life.
Guidance Technology: The missile integrates a ring-laser gyro-based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) coupled with a Micro Navigation System (MINS) to deliver high accuracy.
Canisterised Launch Platform: Agni-5 can be launched from a sealed canister mounted on a mobile launcher, reducing launch preparation time.
Payload: It supports nuclear warheads of up to ~1,500 kg and has demonstrated potential for MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles) capability.
Speed: Reports suggest the missile may exceed Mach 24 during reentry, though exact performance figures remain limited.

Operational Use

Agni V is part of India’s Strategic Forces Command inventory and has been tested multiple times since its first flight in 2012. Its deployment on mobile launchers enables flexible basing and survivability, while its long range enhances India’s deterrence depth. Recent tests, including MIRV-enabled versions, underscore ongoing efforts to mature its strategic strike capability.

Agni-5 Missile Title Price

As a strategic defense asset, the Agni-5 missile is not commercially available on any open arms market, especially in the United States. It is produced under India’s national defense infrastructure and cannot be legally purchased by non-state actors or foreign governments under international arms control regulations. Any “price” would be classified or part of bilateral defense agreements, not publicly disclosed.

FAQs

Is the Agni-5 the fastest missile in the world?

No. While the Agni-5 can reach extremely high terminal speeds—estimated between Mach 20 and Mach 24 during re-entry—it is not the fastest missile in the world. Several intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from the U.S., Russia, and China also reach Mach 20+ speeds in the terminal phase. Agni-5, however, is among the fastest missiles developed by India and ranks comparably with other long-range ballistic systems.

Can an Indian missile reach the USA?

No current Indian missile, including Agni-5, can reach the continental United States. Agni-5’s official range is ~5,000 km, with some unconfirmed estimates suggesting slightly longer capability. The distance from India to the U.S. typically exceeds 12,000 km, far beyond the missile’s reach. India has not developed or tested any true intercontinental-range missile (10,000 km+).

Was the Agni-5 test successful?

Yes. India has conducted multiple successful test launches of Agni-5 since its maiden flight in 2012. These tests validated its three-stage solid propulsion, advanced guidance systems, and canisterised launch capability. More recent trials, including MIRV-capable variants, have also been reported as successful by India’s Ministry of Defence.

What is the significance of Agni-5?

Agni-5 is significant because it represents India’s most advanced long-range strategic missile, extending its nuclear deterrence envelope across Asia. Key strategic roles include:
Strengthening India’s credible minimum deterrence posture
Providing long-range second-strike capability
Enhancing survivability through road-mobile, canisterised launches
Supporting future MIRV deployment, increasing strike flexibility
It is a cornerstone of India’s long-range strategic arsenal.

Agni-5 Price

The exact price of the Agni-5 missile is not publicly disclosed, as it is a strategic, non-export, nuclear-capable weapon. Cost figures fall under classified defense budgeting in India. Defense analysts estimate that a long-range, three-stage solid-fuel missile of this class could cost tens of millions of dollars per unit, but no official figure is available. Additionally, systems like Agni-5 are not for sale, including in the United States or any export market.

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