Now DRDO eyes 5,000 km, Agni-V
08 Feb 2010
New Delhi: With the Agni-III intermediate range ballistic missile recording three successful test flights in a row, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists are now aiming for a larger goal – putting the 5,000 km Agni-V missile on the test-bed.
DRDO scientists have said that Sunday's successful test flight of the Agni-III has put a few issues beyond doubt. These are:
- that the Agni-III is now a proven missile as this fourth flight test, conducted by the Indian Army, has established its "repeatability";
- that its induction with the Indian Army is now very much on the cards;
- and that it establishes the maturity of the country's nuclear deterrence programme and its second-strike capability.
''This launch is a stepping stone to the DRDO realising its next intermediate range ballistic missile, the Agni-V,'' Dr VK Saraswat, director general, DRDO and scientific adviser to the defence minister, said.
