New Delhi, NFAPost: India achieved a significant milestone in its strategic weaponry capabilities with the successful night launch of the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile named ‘Agni Prime’ from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the elite Strategic Forces Command collaborated to conduct the first pre-induction night launch of the missile, which possesses a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 km. This successful test-firing met all the objectives and paves the way for the missile’s induction into the armed forces.
The test took place against the backdrop of the ongoing border tensions between India and China. The Ministry of Defence announced that the test-firing of the ‘Agni Prime’ missile was conducted on June 7 and hailed it as a crucial step in validating the system’s accuracy and reliability. Range instrumentation systems such as radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking were deployed at various locations, including two down-range ships, to capture flight data throughout the missile’s trajectory.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the DRDO and the armed forces for the successful launch and the exemplary performance of the ‘Agni Prime’ missile. The Chairman of the DRDO, Samir V Kamat, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.
India has been actively enhancing its missile capabilities, demonstrated by the successful test-firing of the Agni-V missile in December. With a range of up to 5,000 km, the Agni-V can reach targets across Asia, including the northernmost part of China, as well as certain regions in Europe. The Agni series of missiles, ranging from Agni-1 to Agni-4, with strike ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km, have already been deployed.
Additionally, India achieved a significant milestone in its ballistic missile defence program in April, with the successful maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal. This successful trial aimed to engage and neutralize hostile ballistic missile threats, elevating India to an elite group of nations possessing such capabilities.
India’s development of capabilities to intercept hostile ballistic missiles within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere showcases its commitment to bolstering national security and deterrence. The successful launch of the ‘Agni Prime’ missile reinforces India’s status as a technologically advanced nation with a robust strategic weaponry program.
