India Successfully Tests New-Generation Nuclear Capable Agni-Prime Ballistic Missile

On Wednesday night, India carried out a successful test of its new-generation nuclear-capable Agni-Prime ballistic missile. The test took place from Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha and marked the first pre-induction night launch of the Agni-Prime. The missile, with a range between 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers, was launched by the tri-service Strategic Forces Command (SFC), responsible for managing the country’s nuclear weapons. The test demonstrated the system’s accuracy and reliability, further validating its capabilities.

More About the Agni-Prime Test

The successful flight test of the Agni-Prime ballistic missile showcased its capabilities and achieved all the intended objectives.

• Range instrumentation systems, including radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems, were strategically positioned to capture data throughout the missile’s trajectory.
• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the armed forces for the flawless performance of the new-generation missile, while DRDO chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat acknowledged the dedicated efforts behind the test launch.

Agni Missile

The Agni missile series is a family of nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

• The missiles are named after the Hindu god of fire, Agni.
• The Agni series of missiles are solid-fueled, three-stage, and mobile.
• They can be launched from either land or sea.
• The missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and have a range of up to 5,000 kilometers.

Agni Missile Series

• The Agni-I is the first missile in the series. It has a range of 700-900 kilometers and can carry a payload of 1,000 kilograms.
• The Agni-II has a range of 2,000 kilometers and can carry a payload of 2,000 kilograms.
• The Agni-III has a range of 3,500 kilometers and can carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes.
• The Agni-IV has a range of 4,000 kilometers and can carry a payload of 2 tonnes.
• The Agni-V is the most advanced missile in the series. It has a range of over 5,000 kilometers and can carry a payload of up to 1.5 tonnes.

Agni-Prime Missile

The Agni-Prime missile, which is the smallest and lightest in the Agni series, has undergone three successful developmental trials since June 2021.

• Once deployed, it will enhance India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
• The missile incorporates advanced propulsion systems, composite rocket motor casings, and advanced navigation and guidance systems.
• It is also a canister-launch system, similar to the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), enabling the armed forces to store it for extended periods, transport it quickly via road or rail, and launch it from various locations.
• The Agni Prime missile will gradually replace the Agni-I missiles in the inventory of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which already possesses other ballistic missiles such as Prithvi-II, Agni-II, Agni-III, and Agni-IV, each with varying ranges.

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