In an effort to further enhance self-reliance in highly sophisticated missile technology and strategic deterrence capability, Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted the successful night flight-test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime on Wednesday, defence ministry said here on Thursday.
Giving details, officials said the test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 7.00 pm. The test met all the trial objectives validating its reliable performance, as confirmed from the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point. The missile can a hit a target at a distance of 1,000 km to 2,000 km.
The launch was witnessed by Chief of Defence Staff(CDS)General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Strategic Forces Command and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, SFC and the Armed Forces for the successful test. He stated that the successful development and induction of the missile will be an excellent force multiplier for the Armed Forces.
Last month, India successfully carried out the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) under its ‘Mission Divyastra’.
By carrying out the test, India joined a select group of nations having such a capability. The MIRV feature ensures that a single missile can deploy multiple war heads at different locations.
