India's Agni-5 Missile Actual Range 9000 to 14000 Km

On August 20, 2025, India marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful test-firing of the Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. This user trial, conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India's commitment to a credible minimum deterrence posture. The missile, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcased its precision and reliability in a real-world scenario.

The test garnered widespread attention due to the missile's visibility across multiple regions, as captured in numerous videos shared on social media platforms. Eyewitness accounts and footage highlighted sightings from various states in eastern India, including Odisha—where the launch originated—and West Bengal, with notable videos emerging from coastal areas like Digha. Remarkably, the missile's bright ascent was also spotted from neighboring Bangladesh, underscoring the high-altitude trajectory that made it observable over a broad expanse. These observations, shared by users on X (formerly Twitter), depicted a spectacular streak of light illuminating the evening sky, emphasizing the missile's powerful thrust and elevation.

Analysis of the launch trajectory, based on these social media videos and expert insights, indicates a lofted profile with an estimated launch angle between 75° and 80°. This steep angle explains the widespread visibility, as the missile ascended rapidly to a high apogee, allowing it to be seen from distant locations despite the test's controlled range. Lofted trajectories are often employed in missile testing to simulate operational conditions while ensuring the projectile remains within designated safety zones, such as those outlined in Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). In this case, the NOTAM specified a hazard area extending approximately 4,790 km into the Indian Ocean, aligning with the observed flight path.

To understand the implications of this trajectory, we turn to the classical projectile range formula (neglecting air drag for simplification)

This estimation suggests that, if launched at the optimal 45° angle, the Agni-5 could achieve a theoretical maximum range of 9,580 km to 14,000 km, depending on the exact launch angle used in the test. Such capabilities position the missile as a formidable intercontinental asset, far exceeding its officially stated intermediate-range classification of over 5,000 km.

The Agni-5 incorporates advanced features that enhance its strategic value. It is nuclear-capable, with the ability to carry a payload of up to 1.5 tonnes, including multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) for striking several targets simultaneously. The missile reaches hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 24 during its terminal phase, making it difficult to intercept. Its canister-launched, road-mobile design allows for rapid deployment and survivability against preemptive strikes. This test builds on previous successes, including the integration of MIRV technology demonstrated earlier, and underscores India's progress in indigenous defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Geopolitically, the test bolsters India's deterrence against potential adversaries, covering vast swathes of Asia and beyond. It comes amid regional tensions, with neighboring countries monitoring developments closely—Pakistan, for instance, issued its own NOTAM shortly after, sparking speculation of reciprocal activities. Experts note that the lofted trajectory not only validates the missile's performance under varied conditions but also signals India's growing prowess in long-range precision strikes.