Vice President Ansari hails successful launch of Agni-V missile

New Delhi, Apr 19 (ANI): Hailing India's successful launch of 5,000 km range Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V, Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Thursday said our scientists have done the nation proud with this splendid achievement.

"I am happy at the successful test launch of Agni V missile today. Our scientists have done the nation proud with this splendid achievement that demonstrates our scientific and technological capabilities," Ansari said.

"I congratulate the leadership and scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) who have developed such technology in tune with our national requirements and have been contributing to nation building," he added

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.

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)