On Monday, India successfully test-fired its first long range nuclear-capable missile for the fourth time. The missile is capable of traveling from one continent to another and can be outfitted to carry nuclear payloads. The Agni-V can travel more than 3,107 miles, further than any other missile developed and tested by the Indian military. President Pranab Mukherjee hopes that the missile will help fortify the country’s military and help them receive a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. He tweeted:
India’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that all tests of the missile have been successful. They issued a statement saying:
“This was the fourth test of Agni-5 missile and the second one from a canister on a Road Mobile Launcher, All the four missions have been successful.”
India conducted the first test launch of the Agni V in 2012, the second in 2013, and the third test in 2015. The Agni-V is considered one of India’s most sophisticated weapons. The 57-ft-tall solid-fueled missile is made up of three stages that bring the total weight of the device to 50 tons. The missile is capable of traveling as far as Beijing, according to Ians.
India’s current range of missiles are intended to quell confrontations with nearby rivals: China and Pakistan. India has fought three wars with Pakistan and one with China. Relations between India and Pakistan have reached their most volatile point in more than a decade.
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