‘Agni Prime’ ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO

Tags: Defence Science and Technology

 New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 7, 2023.

An overview of the news

• DRDO's successful test flight of 'Agni Prime' missile marks a significant achievement.

• This was the first pre-induction night launch by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.

• Range instrumentation such as radar, telemetry and electro optical tracking systems were deployed at various locations including two down-range vessels at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.

About 'Agni Prime' Missile

• The missile is a two-stage canisterised missile.

• It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles, developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).

• The missile is equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, enabling it to deliver warheads to separate locations. It has a range of 1,000 - 2,000 km.

• The missile has a diameter of 1.2 m and a height of 10.5 m.

• It has a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes for carrying warheads.

• The missile is capable of performing high maneuvers while homing in on its targets.

• After a series of user-associated launches, these missiles will be officially inducted into the armed forces.