Focus: GS III- Science and Technology
Why in News?
Recently, India successfully tested the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-4, which met all parameters.
Details:
- The flight was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
- The SFC is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile. It is a part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority.
- A successful training launch of an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, was carried out from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- The successful test of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile reaffirms India’s policy of having a ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ Capability.”
Agni-IV
- It is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime.
- It has been developed by India’s DRDO and displayed a number of new technologies and significant improvement in missile technology.
- The missile is light-weight and has two stages of solid propulsion and a payload with re-entry heat shield.
- With 3,500 to 4,000 km range, it is capable of striking targets in nearly all of mainland China, if launched from northeastern part of India.
About Agni Missiles
There are 5 Agni series 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.
