Less than a week after the Tawang clash with Chinese soldiers on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, India on Thursday successfully carried out the night trial of its nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile, which can hit targets beyond 5,000 km.
“The test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile which is now lighter than before. The trial has proved the capability to enhance the range of the Agni-5 missile, if required,” ANI quoted defence sources as saying.
The missile, launched at approximately 5:30 pm from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine and is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy.
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’.
Interestingly, the launch took place after Chinese troops tried to transgress the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh and unilaterally change the status quo on December 9 – an attempt that was contested by Indian soldiers in a firm and resolute manner.
As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, the Indian Air Force also kicked off a major two-day training exercise in the Northeast region on Thursday with an aim to check the operational readiness of its aircraft and practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) in a simulated environment.
The IAF had reportedly scrambled its Su-30MKI fighter jets deployed in the region to counter Chinese drones just before the December 9 clash between the two sides in the Yangtse area near Tawang.