DRDO-upgraded Agni missiles can now strike targets beyond 7,000 kms

India has successfully reached the 7,000 kms mark after successfully testing its nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile. The newly tested Agni-5 missile is capable of striking targets beyond the range of 7,000 kms. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed missile has been reduced in weight as well by replacing steel with composite materials, as per sources in the defence establishment. With the weight reduced by beyond 20 per cent, the government can easily increase the missile’s range to 7,000 kms. The missile, using three-stage solid-fuelled engine, is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a very high degree of accuracy, as per Defence Ministry’s statement. India on December 15 successfully carried out night trials of Agni-5 at its full range of 5400 kms. India also carried out a successful launch of a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Agni-5 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, in October last year. India's nuclear weapon programme is mainly for deterrence against its adversaries including China and Pakistan as it has a no-first-use policy. The new missile and its extended range will also allow the country to strategise accordingly during times of conflict.