India successfully tested the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha.
- Under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile was successfully tested from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. The launch was conducted as part of a routine training exercise to verify the operational and technical readiness of the missile system.
- Defence officials confirmed that the test met all mission objectives and all parameters were successfully verified.
- A key component of India’s credible minimum deterrence strategy, Agni-III has been inducted into the Strategic Forces Command since 2011. This successful test underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening its strategic deterrence and maintaining a high level of operational preparedness.
About Agni-III missile
- Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Agni-III is a two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile with a strike range of more than three thousand kilometres. The missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.
- Agni-III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of 3,000–3,500 km and has been in service with India’s SFC since 2011, forming a key part of the country’s nuclear deterrent capability.
- Indigenously developed, the missile is two-stage and solid-fuel powered, capable of carrying a 1,500 kilogram payload. It is primarily designed as a nuclear delivery system, with an estimated warhead capacity of 200–300 kilotons.
- The missile has a length of 16.7 meters, a diameter of 2 meters, and a launch weight of 48,300 kilograms. The SFC has conducted several tests of Agni-III over the past few years.
- According to CSIS, Agni-III uses a strapdown inertial navigation system (INS) supported by GPS, which provides it with an approximate circular error probable (CEP) accuracy of about 40 meters.
- Its first stage uses a maraging steel motor case, while the second stage uses a carbon-fiber motor case, both equipped with thrust vector control systems for improved accuracy and stability.
Information related to Agni series missiles
- The Agni missile series, created in the 1980s as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), is the backbone of India’s credible nuclear deterrent capability.
- Beginning with a two-stage technology demonstrator tested in 1989, it evolved into Agni-I (700–1,250 km), Agni-II (2,000–2,500 km), and Agni-III (3,000–3,500 km) — all solid-fuel, mobile missiles inducted into the Indian Army.
- India later tested Agni-IV (3,000–4,000 km) in 2014, a two-stage intermediate-range ballistic missile equipped with advanced indigenous systems, and currently in field trials.
- Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) class missile (~5,000+ km) that can be canisterised and road-mobile launched.
- Agni-VI, currently under development, is expected to be launched from land and submarines, with a range of 8,000–10,000 km, significantly strengthening India’s second-strike capability.
- Agni Prime is a nuclear-capable next-generation advanced variant of the Agni class missiles. It is a two-stage canister missile with a maximum range of 1,000 to 2,000 km. It is lighter than all previous missiles of the Agni series.
About DRDO
- DRDO was established in 1958 by combining the Technical Development Establishment (TDE) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
- DRDO is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- Initially DRDO had 10 laboratories; currently it operates 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSL).
- Recently, on 1 January, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day and paid tribute to India’s Missile Man, former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- DRDO’s guiding principle is “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” (Strength lies in science), which guides the nation in both peace and war situations.
