Agni-V can now strike targets more than 7,000 kilometres away thanks to a 20% weight reduction.

 Agni-V can now strike targets more than 7,000 kilometres away thanks to a 20% weight reduction.

The missile's increased range will provide the planners with a range of options during times of crisis.

With the Agni-V missile's weight drastically lowered, India will now be able to attack targets beyond 7,000 kilometres. Defense officials informed India Today TV that the DRDO, or Defense Research and Development Organization, was able to lighten the missile by substituting composite materials for steel.

"The missile system's weight has been reduced by more than 20%, and the nuclear-capable strategic missile can travel more than 7,000 kilometres," they claimed.

The Agni-III, which weighs roughly 40 tonnes, can attack targets at 3,000 km away, while the Agni-IV, which weighs barely more than 20 tonnes, can cover a significantly wider range. Previously, such changes have helped reduce the weight and extend the range of the strategic missiles.