Why India test fired Agni IV missile
India on Monday successfully carried out a “training launch” of the Agni IV intermediate-range ballistic missile in Odisha. The nuclear-capable ballistic missile has a range of 4,000 km.
'A successful training launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni IV, was carried out at approximately 1930 hours on June 06, 2022 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha,' the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement.
“The launch validated all operational parameters as also the reliability of the system. The successful test reaffirms India's policy of having a 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' Capability,' the statement added.
WHY WAS THE MISSILE LAUNCHED?
The launch missile with a range of around 4,000 kilometres is largely seen as part of India's deterrence against China. And the launch comes at a time when border rows between India and China have increased, especially in the Ladakh region
India has been steadily enhancing its overall military might over the last couple of years. It has carried out successful tests of a number of missiles during the period.
OTHER MISSILE LAUNCHES BY INDIA RECENTLY
Last month, India successfully test-fired an extended range version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi fighter jet. It was the first launch of the extended range version of the BrahMos missile from a Su-30MKI aircraft, reported PTI.
An anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired jointly by the Indian Navy and the Andaman and Nicobar Command on April 27.
MAINLAND CHINA NOW UNDER INDIAN MISSILES RANGE
On October 27, 2021, India had test fired the 5,000-km range Agni V intermediate range ballistic missile, reported India Today. This was the first ‘user trial’ of the missile by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) that deploys India’s nuclear arsenal, reported India Today.
The road-mobile Agni-IV and Agni-V are primarily meant for deterrence against China, which can target any Indian city with its long range missiles. But now with Agbi IV and V, most of mainland China, even the northest most parts are under the range of Indian missiles, reported TOI.