- A successful training launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, Agni-1 was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.
ABOUT SERIES MISSILES
- The Agni series of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear delivery options.
- The development of Agni missiles started in early 1980 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
- The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed.
OTHER AGNI MISSILE TESTS IN RECENT TIMES
- Last year, India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km.
- It is aimed at boosting India’s nuclear deterrence against China which has missiles like Dongfeng-41 having ranges between 12,000-15,000 km.
- India also successfully test-fired indigenously-developed new generation medium-range ballistic missile Agni Prime.
- The missile’s strike range is between 1,000 km and 2,000 km.
ABOUT INTEGRATED GUIDED MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (IGMDP)
- Conceptualised by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology.
- The missiles developed under the programme were (P-A-T-N-A) :-
- Prithvi– Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
- Agni– Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
- Trishul– Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile
- Nag– Third-generation anti-tank missile
- Akash– Medium-range surface-to-air missile
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