Why in News?
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, validating its operational and technical parameters.
Key Details
The Agni missile series is a family of medium to intercontinental-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles developed by India
Agni-4 is part of India's strategic missile capability and was developed by DRDO.
Missile Specifications
Range: Around 4,000 km
Payload: ~1,000 kg
Propulsion: Two-stage solid-fuel rocket
The test was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, which manages India's strategic nuclear forces.
A ballistic missile follows a powered launch phase and then travels largely along a ballistic trajectory toward its target.
Exam Connect
Agni Missiles
Agni-I: Short-range ballistic missile with a range of 700 to 1,200 km, primarily focused on regional deterrence.
Agni-II: Medium-range ballistic missile with a range exceeding 2,000 km.
Agni-III: Intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range over 2,500 km.
Agni-IV: Advanced intermediate-range missile with a range of 3,500 to 4,000 km featuring composite materials and high mobility.
Agni-V: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, featuring canisterized launch and Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology