Ballistic Missile
Agni-V
Agni-V is a three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental-range ballistic missile developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics in India, commonly cited as inducted in 2018. India officially gives its range as more than 5,000 km, and it is operated by Strategic Forces Command.
India|DRDO / Bharat DynamicsWhat Is the Agni-V? Overview, History and Development
Agni-V was first tested on 19 April 2012 from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha, with further tests in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The missile is about 17.5 m long and 2 m in diameter, with a launch mass of roughly 50 tonnes and a payload of about 1,500 kg (estimates). It is canister-launched from a road-mobile launcher using a cold launch from the tube.
India calls the range “more than 5,000 km”, while independent estimates run from 5,500 to 8,000 km. Induction is commonly cited as 2018, but the government has not announced a formal date. Mission Divyastra on 11 March 2024 was the first MIRV test. Press reports put the cost at about US$3–5 million per missile. India follows a no-first-use policy, and Agni-VI is reported only as a concept. Counterparts include China’s DF-31, Pakistan’s Shaheen-III and the US Minuteman III.
Agni-V Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
Agni-V Variants and Versions Compared
Agni-V is the standard three-stage missile with a range officially given as more than 5,000 km.
Agni-V MIRV is the multiple-warhead version, first demonstrated in the Mission Divyastra test of March 2024.
Agni-VI is a longer-range follow-on reported only as a concept, with no confirmed development.
Which Countries Use the Agni-V? Operators and Users
IndiaAgni-V FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the Agni-V missile?
The Agni-V has an official range of more than 5,000 km. Independent estimates run from 5,500 to 8,000 km, and India does not publish the exact figure.
Does Agni-V have MIRV capability?
Yes, the Agni-V demonstrated MIRV capability in Mission Divyastra on 11 March 2024. The test showed multiple independently targetable warheads, and India has not published how many a missile can carry.
How much does an Agni-V missile cost?
An Agni-V missile costs about US$3–5 million according to press estimates. India does not publish an official unit price, so the figure should be treated as an approximation.
Can Agni-V reach China?
The Agni-V can reach Beijing and most of China, as well as most of Eurasia, from India. It is widely seen as a strategic deterrent aimed at China as well as Pakistan.
Agni-V vs Shaheen-III: which is stronger?
The Agni-V outranges the Pakistani Shaheen-III by a wide margin, with more than 5,000 km against 2,750 km. The Agni-V is a three-stage ICBM-class missile, while the Shaheen-III is a two-stage medium-range missile.
When did Agni-V enter service?
The Agni-V is commonly cited as inducted in 2018, after user trials. The Indian government did not announce a formal date, so 2018 should be treated as approximate.