The first pre-induction night launch of a new generation ballistic missile, Agni Prime, was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, a DRDO statement said. As per the official statement, during the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated.
This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system. Range instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry, and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems was deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle, the statement said.
Agni-P is a two-stage canisters solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system, according to the DRDO. It has a range between 1000 to 2000 km and was tested for the first time in June 2021. It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.
Agni series of missiles constitute the backbone of India’s nuclear weapons delivery which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. India has also completed its nuclear triad and operationalized its second-strike capability, with the nuclear ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant undertaking deterrence patrols
Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight test, which paved the way for the induction of the system into the Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Armed Forces for the success as well as the copy-book performance of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni Prime.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts put in by the teams of DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.
Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight test, which has paved the way for induction of the system into the Indian Armed Forces, it said.
(With inputs from agencies)
