Indian scientists should get full marks for the success of the country’s first long-range new generation missile Agni-5

Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Indian scientists should get full marks for the
success of the country’s first long-range new generation missile
Agni-5. Most of the components and equipment used in the Agni-5 are
developed indigenously. Only a portion of the electronics components
is imported.

The successful launch of Agni-5 through indigenous technology has once
again proved India’s scientific prowess in a world dominated by
technology denial. With no support from external sources, Indian
scientists had to conceptualise, design and develop the long-range
missile to meet the growing defence needs of the country. The
indigenous technology has catapulted India to the status of a regional
super power. China is the only other country in Asia to possess
intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“This launch has given a message to the entire world that India has
the capability to design, develop, build and manufacture missiles of
this class, and we are today a missile power," said Dr VK Saraswat,
chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The DRDO will conduct a couple of more tests on Agni-5 before it is
ready for induction into the Army. Once the mandatory trials are
completed, Agni-5 will be at the disposal of the Armed forced by
2014-15.