India Tests Missile Capable of Reaching China
I
ndia successfully tested an
intercontinental ballistic missile
(ICBM) in an apparent effort to signal
advances in its nuclear deterrent to China.
The Agni-5 ballistic missile is capable
of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000
kilometers with a “very high degree
of accuracy,” according to an Oct. 27
statement from the Indian Ministry of
Defence. The launch was conducted from
India’s test site on APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
The missile, a three-stage, solid-fueled
system launched from a canister, was
last tested in 2018. Although ICBMs are
typically defined as having a range of
5,500 kilometers or more, independent
assessments put the full range of the
Agni-5 at 8,000 kilometers with a 1.5-ton
warhead. The solid-fueled, canister-launch
configuration makes the Agni-5 more
mobile and allows for the system to be
fired more quickly.
The Oct. 27 launch differed from
five prior tests of the Agni-5 in that
the missile was launched in full
operational configuration by the
military’s Strategic Forces Command.
This was also the first time that the
system was launched at night.
The Defence Ministry statement said
the Agni-5 launch was in line with India’s
policy of “credible minimum deterrence,”
which means that the country will
develop only the nuclear weapons
capabilities needed to deter adversaries.
India is already capable of striking India in October tested an Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, similar to the one
shown here, in an apparent signal to China. (Photo by Pallava Bagla/Corbis via Getty Images)
the entire territory of its neighboring
adversary, Pakistan. New Delhi’s pursuit
of longer-range systems, such as the Agni- threatening India’s Sovereignty & development of ballistic missiles capable
5, and its development of submarine- Territorial Integrity.” of delivering nuclear weapons.”
launched ballistic missiles are oriented China did not respond to the launch, In addition to developing longer-range
at China, which is expanding its own but when India announced plans to test systems, India is considering creating a
nuclear arsenal and has developed a larger the Agni-5, Chinese Foreign Ministry new rocket force to oversee and control
missile force. spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Sept. 16 the country’s missile forces.
Several Indian media outlets quoted that UN Security Council Resolution 1172 Gen. Bipin Rawat, chief of the defense
unnamed officials as saying that the “has clear stipulations” regarding India’s staff, said on Sept. 16 that the rocket
test was meant to signal India’s military development of ballistic missiles and force is a part of India’s effort to adopt
capabilities to China as a border dispute that Beijing hopes all parties will make a “whole-of-government approach” to
between the two countries continues to constructive efforts to maintain peace, dealing with evolving security challenges.
inflame tensions. security, and stability in South Asia. A rocket force would help integrate forces
Although the Defence Ministry Resolution 1172 was adopted by the and dual-use infrastructure, he said.
statement did not directly reference Security Council in 1998 following the Rawat cited China’s aggression and its
China, spokesperson Lt. Col. Abhinav nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. The use of Pakistan as a proxy as necessitating
Navneet tweeted on Oct. 28 that the resolution includes nonbinding language the changes. China created its own rocket
Agni-5 is “capable of neutralizing targets calling on the two countries to “cease force in 2016.—KELSEY DAVENPORT
36 ARMS CONTROL TODAY December 2021
