Agni Prime

Why in news?

• 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 07, 2023

About Agni Prime:

• Agni-P or ‘Agni Prime’ is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a successor for Agni-I and Agni-II missiles.
• This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the Tri-services strategic forces command, which handles the country's nuclear arsenal, after three successful developmental trials of the missile.
• It validated the accuracy and reliability of the system.
• Agni-P is a two-stage, surface to surface, road mobile and solid-fueled MRBM which is transported by a truck and launched via a canister. It is a ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system. It is the sixth missile in the Agni (missile) series of ballistic missile.
• This missile will gradually replace the Agni-I (700) ballistic missile.

About Agni missiles

• Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability which also includes the Prithvi short range ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft.
• The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and tested in 1989.
• The longest of the Agni series, Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, has already been tested several times and validated for induction.

Range of Agni Class of Missiles:

• Agni I: Range of 700-800 km.
• Agni II: Range more than 2000 km.
• Agni III: Range of more than 2,500 Km
• Agni IV: Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road mobile launcher.
• Agni-V: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding the Agni Prime missile:

1. It is an Intercontinental Ballistic missile.

2. It has been developed by DRDO.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer