Agni-V successful launch major milestone in India's missile programme: Antony

New Delhi, Apr 19 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony congratulated Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists for the successful launch of 5,000 km range Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V on Thursday morning.

The Defence Minister spoke to DRDO Chief Dr VK Saraswat and Project Director Avinash Chander and congratulated them for this immaculate success of Agni-V.

India test-fired for the first time its strategic missile, the over 5,000-km range Agni-V, in a bid to join the super exclusive ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) club that counts just US, Russia,China, France and UK as its members.

Antony described today's development as a major milestone in the country's missile programme, and said the nation is indeed proud of its defence scientists.

The launch of Agni-V was delayed on Wednesday due to inclement weather at the test range in Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha.

The test firing is a major leap forward in missile technology and military deterrent capability for the country.

India in November last tested the 3,500-km-range Agni-IV missile giving muscle to the country's deterrent capability against the military adversaries.

Agni-V is a solid fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. It will greatly expand India's reach to strike targets well beyond 5,500 km away.

The nuclear-capable, three-stage Agni-V, about 50-tonne in weight and 17.5-metre tall, will become fully operational by 2014-2015. (ANI)