Physics Wallah

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile: Successfully Tested Long-Range Missile

Agni-5 ballistic missile has been successfully tested, marking a milestone in India’s defense capabilities. It was launched from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.

authorImageSheetal Gaur14 Nov, 2025
Share

Share

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile is a crucial part of India's defence power. This advanced, long-range weapon is a symbol of the country's growing strength in missile technology. It is a strategic asset that helps India maintain a strong defence position. The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Its success shows that India is becoming self-reliant in making its own advanced weapons.

The latest successful trial of this powerful missile was carried out on August 20, 2025, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. The successful firing of the Agni 5 Ballistic Missile confirmed that all its systems work perfectly.

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Overview

The Agni 5 Ballistic Missile is a long-range weapon that shows India's great strength in defence technology. It is a vital part of the nation's strategic defence and can be launched quickly from anywhere.

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Overview

Feature

Details 

Focus Keyword

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile

Type of Weapon

Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM). It travels in an arc to hit targets on the ground.

Category

Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). It has a very long reach.

Range (Operational)

Over 5,000 kilometres (It can reach almost all of Asia and parts of Europe).

Maximum Speed

Up to Mach 24 (24 times the speed of sound). This is considered extremely fast or hypersonic.

Propulsion

Three-stage rocket engine that uses solid fuel.

Launch System

Canisterised and Road-mobile. It is kept in a sealed container on a truck, which allows it to be launched quickly from any location.

Key Capability

Nuclear-capable. It can carry nuclear warheads.

Advanced Technology

MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle). This means one missile can carry and release several warheads, each aimed at a different target.

Developed By

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India.

First Launch Date

April 19, 2012.

Latest Test Date

August 20, 2025 (Successful user trial).

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Test Date and History

The journey of the Agni-5 began over a decade ago with its first test.

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Test Date and History

Event

Date

Significance

First Agni 5 ballistic missile launch date (First Flight Test)

April 19, 2012

Successfully demonstrated the missile's capability for the first time.

MIRV Technology Test (Mission Divyastra)

March 11, 2024

Successfully tested the ability to carry and strike multiple targets with one missile.

Latest User Trial

August 20, 2025

Successful Agni 5 ballistic missile test, validating all technical parameters for deployment.

Features of the Agni 5 Ballistic Missile

The Agni 5 Ballistic Missile is India's most modern long-range weapon. Here are its main features:

  • Type: It is a Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile (SSBM). It is classified as an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), though it has the potential for even longer, intercontinental ranges.

  • Fuel and Stages: The system uses a three-stage solid-fuel rocket engine. Solid fuel makes the missile simpler to store and quicker to prepare for launch.

  • Launch System: It is a road-mobile and canisterised missile. This means the entire weapon is kept inside a sealed container (canister). This canister can be easily moved by road, which helps the missile launch quickly from anywhere.

  • Warhead: The Agni-5 is nuclear-capable. It is also designed to carry a heavy payload of about 1.5 tonnes.

  • MIRV Technology: A major highlight is its Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability. This advanced technology allows a single Agni 5 Ballistic Missile to carry and release several warheads. Each warhead can hit a different, independent target.

What is the Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Range and Speed?

The reach and velocity of this system make it a powerful deterrent.

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Range

The missile has a massive operational range of over 5,000 kilometres (about 3,100 miles).

  • This long range means the Agni-5 can cover almost the entire Asian continent, including northern China. It also extends its reach to parts of Europe.

  • The missile's design features, like the use of lightweight composite materials, give it the potential to reach an even greater range, possibly up to 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres.

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile Speed

The Agni 5 Ballistic Missile speed is incredibly high.

  • In its final phase of flight (called the terminal phase), the missile can reach a maximum speed of up to Mach 24.

  • Mach 24 means it travels at 24 times the speed of sound. This speed is considered hypersonic.

 

Agni 5 Ballistic Missile FAQs

What is the Agni-V missile?

The Agni-V is an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), though it has capabilities that extend it towards an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It is a surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.

How many Agni missiles does India have?

India’s Agni series includes Agni I to Agni IV (MRBM/IRBM) and Agni V. Agni-VI is under development.

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

The Agni-5 is one of the fastest missiles in the world, capable of reaching a top speed of Mach 24. It is extremely fast, flying at a hypersonic speed (many times the speed of sound).

When did the Agni-5 missile launch?

The first successful flight test or launch of the Agni-5 missile was conducted on April 19, 2012. However, the latest successful test firing was on August 20, 2025.
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.