The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), carried out a successful flight test of the Agni-Prime New Generation Ballistic Missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 3, 2024.
The test accomplished all trial objectives, affirming its dependable performance, as evidenced by data collected from various range sensors positioned at different locations, including two downrange ships stationed at the terminal point.
The launch was observed by the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, SFC, and the Armed Forces for the successful test.
He emphasized that the missile's successful development and deployment would significantly enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Dr Samir V Kamat, research and development Secretary at the Department of Defence and Chairman of DRDO, commended the efforts of SFC and DRDO for the successful flight test.
The new missile is a two-stage, solid-fuel design, an advanced iteration of the Agni missile series, which boasts a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres.
The missile is made entirely from composite materials which give numerous advantages: light weight, superior strength and enhanced flexibility in design and production compared to conventional materials.
Agni Prime is configured to be stored inside a canister, a feature that significantly boosts its mobility and enables rapid preparation and launch at short notice, enhancing its operational readiness, reliability and extends its shelf-life.
In this configuration, the missile, along with its nuclear warhead, is securely sealed within a canister mounted road-mobile launcher.