DRDO successfully flight-tests new generation ballistic missile ‘Agni Prime’ off Odisha
In an effort to strengthen its missile programme, India on Thursday successfully flight tested ‘Agni Prime,’ the new-generation ballistic surface-to-surface missile, from an island off Odisha. The test was conducted from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and all objectives were successfully met, officials said.
This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system, they said. The missile can take out a target at more than 2,000km. Range instrumentation such as radar, telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, to capture flight data covering its entire trajectory, added officials.
“First Pre Induction night launch of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni Prime was successfully conducted off the coast of Odisha on 07 June 2023,” tweeted DRDO.
#DRDOUpdates | First Pre Induction night launch of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni Prime was successfully conducted off the coast of Odisha on 07 June 2023. https://t.co/gdkZozarng#Atmanirbharbharat @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/26Zj2rBkON
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) June 8, 2023
Senior officials of DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight test, which paved the way for the induction of the system into the armed forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the armed forces for the success. The Agni-Prime is a two-staged canisterised solid propellant missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system.
Canesterisation cuts down the time needed for launch and improves storage and mobility. The medium-range ballistic missile can be ferried in a truck and is the sixth missile in the Agni missile series of ballistic missiles. The latest test was the fourth one with the first two tests taking place in 2021 and the third last year.
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