Agni V, India's first ICBM, successfully test-fired

India successfully test-fired Agni V, its first Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) today at 8:05 am.

The missile was launched from Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief VK Saraswat said, "The mission was successful. The missile hit the target in the Indian Ocean in a perfect way."

India will break into the exclusive ICBM club of six countries including the United States, Russia, United Kingdom, China and France once the 50-tonne Agni V is ready for induction by 2014-2015.

Designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists, Agni V has a range of 5,000 kilometres.

DRDO scientists say that it has the capacity to carry a nuclear warhead weighing over one tonne.

17 metres tall and 50 tonnes in weight, Agni V's three stages are powered by solid propellants.

The test launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed due to bad weather.

The missile can be launched only after a decision by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).