The first pre-induction night launch of new generation ballistic missile, ‘Agni Prime’, has been successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
It is a canisterised missile that can be launched at short notice and has a range between 1,000 km and 2,000 km.
The new missile comes with significant advancements in technology including composites, propulsion system, and guidance and control mechanisms.
The other variants of the Agni missiles developed by DRDO include the 700-km Pakistan-specific Agni-I, 2,000-km range Agni-II, 3,000-km range Agni-III, 4,000-km range Agni-IV and the 5,000-km range Agni-V missile. The Agni missiles form the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrence.
