The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the nuclear capable, Surface-to-Surface Missile ‘Agni-P (Prime)’ from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island, Balasore, Odisha. Agni-P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
- It is a canisterised missile and has a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kms.
- The missile has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Canisterisation of missiles (processing of putting firepower into metal containers) reduces the time required to launch the missile, while improving its storage and mobility.
Note – The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which is part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) is responsible for the management and administration of India’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
Agni Class of Missiles
Agni is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by DRDO.
- The 1st missile in the Agni series was test-fired in May 1989 and was inducted into the armed forces in 2004.
| Name | Type | Range (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | MRBM (Medium Range Ballistic Missile) | 700-900 Kms |
| Agni-II | MRBM | 2000 – 3000 Kms |
| Agni-III | IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile) | 3000 – 5000 kms |
| Agni-IV | IRBM | 3500 – 4000 Kms |
| Agni-V | ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile) | 5000 – 8000 Kms |
| Agni-VI | ICBM | 11000 – 12000 Kms |
Recent Related News:
i.On October 3, 2020, DRDO successfully test-fired a new version of indigenously developed canister launched hypersonic nuclear-capable Shaurya missile from the Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Chairman – Dr G Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters – New Delhi
