comScore
  • India successfully tests new-gen nuclear-capable 'Agni Prime' ballistic missile

    National
    India successfully tests new-gen nuclear-capable 'Agni Prime' ballistic missile

    The performance was evaluated using data from several tracking systems, including...


    Digital Desk: India successfully tested 'Agni Prime,' a new generation of ballistic missiles, from off the coast of Odisha on Friday morning. Defence officials stated that all test objectives were achieved and that the third consecutive (and successful) test of the 'Agni Prime' had 'proved the precision and reliability of the system.'


    The performance was evaluated using data from several tracking systems, including radar, telemetry, and electro-optical systems, the officials said.


    These systems were deployed at different locations along the flight path, including two down-range ships at the terminal point, and covered the entire trajectory, officials added.


    The first test took place in June of last year, and the second one was held in December, six months later. Both times, the missile "followed textbook trajectory and completed all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy," officials said.


    The 'Agni Prime,' also known as the 'Agni-P,' is a nuclear-capable new-generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles; it is a two-stage canisterised missile with a maximum range of 2,000 km.


    Significantly, it weighs 50 percent less than the Agni 3 missile and has new guidance and propulsion systems. Additionally, because it is canisterised, it can be launched from rail or road, stored for longer periods of time, and moved according to operational requirements.


    The "Agni Prime" test's success highlights India's efforts to have a self-sufficient defence sector.


    Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiatives taken in this regard this week.


    "Eight years ago India was the world's biggest defence importer... but the 'new India' has shown intent and resolve to 'Make in India' the success story of our defence sector," the prime minister said while inaugurating DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar in poll-bound Gujarat.