How India’s Agni-5 is different from China’s hypersonic missile
On the evening of 27th October, India successfully tested the first Agni-5 ballistic missile with a 5000km range. Despite being inducted for over three years, the Strategic Force Commands finally attempted to test the missile following China’s test launch of hypersonic missile in August. This nuclear missile is significant as it can be India’s most potent contender in the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) race. On top of it, India for the first time has issued “No First Use” policy which means that it will strike only when it needs to avenge an attack on its domestic soil, ensuring “credible minimum deterrence.”
In the face of geopolitical tensions with China, it had become imperative for India to get ready with its own nuclear weaponry. Let us now discuss both the missiles in details with an emphasis on their global influence.
What is the Agni-5 missile?
Agni-5 is a long-range surface-to-surface missile developed by India, that can precisely reach targets 5000 km away. This is politically significant, as it can cover almost entire Chinese frontiers. So, according to the Indian government, the missile is not an official Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which is supposed to cover 5500km or more. But the reports of user agency, i.e., the Strategic Force Commands suggest otherwise. In fact, it has come forward and declared that the Agni-5 missile has the capacity to hit targets as far as 8000km away, including regions in and around Europe and Africa.
Agni-5 is also noted to be able to carry a war load of almost 1500kg alongside the launch weight of 50000kg. It has a long shelf life (shields itself from harsh climate) that can be launched from road or rail platforms, making the deployment speed faster.
What is the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle?
According to several reports, China in August had tested a hypersonic missile called Hypersonic Glide Vehicle. However, since its test launch was a failure, China denied the news and explained it as a “spacecraft” and not a missile.
The Chinese nuclear missile rotated the earth before moving towards its target but missed it by 24 miles. The missile is said to have the next generation hypersonic glide vehicle technology, which makes countries like India and USA concerned.
The missile is launched by a rocket which then circles earth’s lower orbit and at a speed of five to 25 times the speed of sound. Its limitless nuclear payload carrying capacity makes it more dangerous as it can target any country in the world.
How are the two different?
While the Agni-5 ballistic missile follows a parabolic trajectory, meaning it first goes up straight and then flies down high like an arc, the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle circles the earth at a lower altitude and is navigable. The latter is capable of changing its track, speed, or target, in the middle of its path, making it difficult to locate and defend against. In contrast, Agni-5, once launched, doesn’t alter any of its aspects, making it more predictable and easier to find and defend against.