India’s nuclear deterrence today received a major boost as the country for the sixth consecutive time successfully test fired the Agni – IV nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The missile was launched shortly after 11:40 AM (IST) from a canister mounted on a mobile-launcher from launch complex – IV of ITR (Integrated Test Range) in Odisha.
The test flight lasted for over 20 minutes and the missile traversed along the drafted trajectory and struck the designated target in the Indian Ocean with pin-point accuracy. Powerful tracker radars positioned at Chandipur, Paradip, Balashore and Port Blair tracked the missile along its flight path. Multiple naval warships were stationed close to the impact area and powerful on-board radars monitored the missile in its terminal phase.
Agni – IV is capable of delivering nuclear payloads of up to a tonne on targets as far as 4,000 kilometres away. The missile was fired as part of user trials by the tri-service Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which is in-charge of operating India’s nuclear arsenal.
The Agni – IV was developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) under the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program). The missile was for the first time test fired on 15th November 2011. After four consecutive successful missions, Agni – IV was inducted to the SFC in 2015.
Agni – IV also known as Agni Prime is a surface-to-surface intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). It features a two-stage configuration and is powered by solid-proponent fed composite rocket motors.
The indigenously developed delivery system is equipped with state-of-the-art onboard computers which feature a modular and distributed architecture. Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System complemented by Micro Navigation System (MINGS) enable the missile to strike targets with pin-point accuracy. Ring Laser based Gyro systems are the most advanced guidance systems and this enables the missile to enjoy a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of with-in 20 metres.
With a range of over 4,000 kilometres, Agni – IV can strike the whole of Pakistan and most part of China.
© Karthik Kakoor
