India tests surface-to-surface Agni-5 ballistic missile

India has successfully launched the surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Agni-5 that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km with a very high degree of accuracy.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the launch was carried out on October 27, at approximately 7:30 pm (India Time) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

The missile, which uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy, said the ministry.

The ministry further stated that the successful test of Agni-5 is in line with India's stated policy to have 'credible minimum deterrence' that underpins the commitment to 'No First Use'.

"Successful launch is in line with India's policy to have 'credible minimum deterrence' that underpins the commitment to 'No First Use'", the MoD said.

The latest test comes at a time after reports that US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A Milley has expressed concern over Beijing's capabilities. Referring to China's recent test of a hypersonic weapon system, the United States said that's the reason it sees China as a pacing challenge.

(ANI)