Indian media reports on New Delhi’s latest missile test noted that the nuclear-capable Agni-5 ICBM system, with a range of 5,000 kilometres, can strike targets “from Türkiye to China.” Turkey has recently emerged as a major arms exporter to Bangladesh and Pakistan, which India sees as a perceived threat to its national security.
The distance between India and Turkey is 4,636 km. The distance between India and Istanbul is 5061 km. India has three missiles which can strike Turkey.
Agni-5 is the ICBM which can carry a payload of 1500 kg. It has a range of more than 5500km. India plans to increase Agni 6’s range up to 8000 km when using a 500-kilogram payload.
India has K-15 SLBM, which can carry a payload of 1000 kg and has a range of 750 km. India plans to increase its range up to 1500 km using a 500-kilogram payload. It is deployed in service in INS Arihant, the submarine can carry 12 of these missiles. K-4 is an SLBM which can carry a payload of 2500 kg and has a range of 3500 km. INS Arihant can carry 4 of these submarine-launched missiles.
India said Wednesday it had successfully launched the intermediate-range ballistic missile from its eastern Odisha state, with officials saying the test “validated all operational and technical parameters.” The Agni-5, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, is among several indigenously developed systems intended to strengthen India’s defense posture.
While the government described the launch as routine, some coverage emphasized the missile’s maximum range, stretching from Türkiye to China. Some analysts note that India’s missile program is largely focused on deterring its immediate rivals, China and Pakistan.
India and China, the world’s two most populous nations, remain locked in a tense rivalry, with relations deteriorating after a deadly border clash in 2020. India is also part of the Quad security alliance with the United States, Australia and Japan, which is viewed as a counterbalance to Beijing.
Earlier on July 18 this year, India successfully test-fired Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM), Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha’s Chandipur. On July 16, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying two Aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army.
India is irritated with Turkish arms exports to Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Turkey’s arms exports to Pakistan include MILGEM-class corvettes, T129 ATAK helicopters, Bayraktar TB2 drones, and various missiles, making Pakistan a significant market for Turkey’s defense industry, according to MEMRI. This collaboration is growing, encompassing naval shipbuilding, joint development of air systems, and the supply of munitions and technological support. The partnership is seen as a strengthening of defense ties between the two nations amid regional tensions.
Turkey’s arms exports to Pakistan are substantial, with Pakistan being one of its main customers for defense equipment from 2020-2024, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also become a significant buyer, with Turkey’s defense cooperation expanding rapidly, including potential joint production of weapons in Bangladesh.
Defence cooperation between Turkey and Bangladesh is rapidly expanding. Bangladesh and Pakistan emerged as Turkey’s leading buyer of defence equipment and weapons in 2022, a role that seems to continue.
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