India successfully test-fires Agni-1 ballistic missile
What's the story
India has successfully test-fired its short-range ballistic missile, the Agni-1. The launch was conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Defense Ministry has confirmed that all operational as well as technical parameters were validated during this test. The exercise was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command's supervision.
Missile range
Agni series missiles operationally deployed
The Agni series of missiles, which includes the Agni-1 to Agni-4 variants, have strike ranges between 700km and 3,500km. These missiles are already operationally deployed. The successful test-firing of the Agni-1 further strengthens India's strategic deterrence capabilities and showcases the country's advanced defense technology.
Advanced technology
Successful test of Agni-5 with MIRV technology
Just two weeks ago, India had also successfully tested the advanced Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The Defense Ministry said this missile was tested from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha and met all mission objectives. The Agni-5 MIRV system can carry multiple nuclear warheads to different targets hundreds of kilometers away, making it more lethal than conventional single-warhead missiles.
Global standing
India's entry into elite club of nations
The successful tests of the Agni-5 missile with MIRV capability in March 2024 under 'Mission Divyastra' have placed India among a select group of nations that possess this advanced technology. The DRDO-developed system has indigenous avionics and high-accuracy sensor packages.