On Monday, India successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime, a new missile in the Agni series, off the coast of Odisha, officials said.
At 10:55 a.m. off the coast of Odisha, the DRDO successfully flight tested a next generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island.
“Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile. The missile has followed textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy,” DRDO said in a statement.
The surface to a surface missile can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg or a nuclear warhead. The double stage missile is lighter and much sleeker than its predecessor Agni-1.
It can hit targets up to a range of 2000 km and is very short and light in comparison with other missiles in this class. A lot of new technologies incorporated in the new missile, according to DRDO officials.
Under the make in India initiative, Indian scientists are manufacturing their own missiles in their own country without relying on foreign countries. Many of these missiles are wanted in the world market today. Many countries of the world now want to buy Indian missiles. Most of the missiles are made of indigenous knowledge and skills.
The timing of the testing of Agni-Prime is significant as India maintains its vigilance at borders amid the consistent threats from Pakistan and China. In October and September last year, the DRDO had tested around 12 missile within six weeks, sending a strong message to China and Pakistan.
