Next Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime successfully Flight-tested

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) have successfully conducted a flight test of the new generation ballistic missile called 'Agni-Prime'. 

• The test occurred at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha's coast.
• The data was captured by several range sensors placed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point. 
• The launch was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and other senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.

About 'Agni-Prime'

• Agni-P, also known as Agni-Prime, is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by DRDO. It is equipped with nuclear capabilities and is considered the successor to Agni-I and Agni-II missiles in the SFC's operational service. Agni-Prime has a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 km and incorporates technological advances from Agni-IV and Agni-V. 
• The missile has undergone significant upgrades, such as a composite motor casing, maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV), improved fuels, and navigation and guidance systems. 
• Agni-Prime is completely built using composite material, which offers several advantages over conventional materials, such as being lightweight and having better strength and flexibility in design and production.
• It is a two-stage, solid-fueled, surface-to-surface missile that is road-mobile and transported via truck. 
• The missile is launched using a canister, similar to the country's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Agni-V, with a strike range of over 5,000 km. 
• Agni-Prime is a ballistic missile with dual navigation and guidance system.

Features

• Agni-Prime is a new missile that looks similar to Agni-III but has reduced weight by half. It is designed to replace older generation missiles such as Prithvi-II (350 km), Agni-II (2,000 km), Agni-III (3,000 km) and Agni-4 (4,000 km) ballistic missiles. 
• Agni-Prime has many upgrades like new propulsion systems, composite rocket motor casings, and advanced navigation and guidance systems.
• Agni-P and Agni-V will strengthen India's deterrence against countries such as China and Pakistan. While Agni-V can strike all of China, Agni-P has been developed to counter Pakistan's forces. 
• The main goal of developing Agni-P is to achieve maximum maoeuverability against missile defence systems and higher accuracy for precision strikes. This will make it more difficult for enemy forces to defend against it.

List of all Agni missiles

In the 1980s, India launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), led by former president Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. The program aimed to make India self-reliant in missile technology and produced five missiles: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.

The Agni missile series, named after one of the five elements of nature, constitutes a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles.

• Agni-P is the sixth missile in the Agni series. 
• Agni-I is a two-stage technology demonstrator with a solid-fuel first stage, having a strike range of 700-1200 km and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg. 
• Agni-II is a two-stage ballistic missile with a 2,000-3000 km range and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg. 
• Agni-III is the third in the series, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a 3,500-5,000 km range, capable of carrying a payload of 1,500 kg. 
• Agni-IV, the fourth missile, has a range of around 4,000 km and can carry a warhead of 1,000 kg. 
• Agni-V, the fifth in the series, is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a strike range of over 7,000 km. The most advanced version, Agni-VI, is currently under development and is reported to be MIRV-capable.