Agni Missiles "EMPOWER IAS"

In news:

• A new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

 

Agni-Prime Missile

• Agni-P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
• It is a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
• Many advanced technologies including composites, propulsion systems, innovative guidance and control mechanisms and state-of-the-art navigation systems have been introduced.
• The missile strengthens India’s credible deterrence capabilities.

 

What is the upgrade?

• Agni-P has improved parameters including manoeuvring and accuracy.
• Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility.

 

Agni Missile System:

• The Agni (in Sanskrit means fire) missile is an Intermediate-rangeballistic missile(IRBM) that can have a range of up to 5000 km.
• It is asurface to surface missile.
• The initial Technology demonstrator version had a range of 700 km but was based on a solid and a liquid stage making for long preparation before firing. Missiles of the Agni series are developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited.
• It is a missile having a re-entry capability, i.e. it propels itself out of the earth atmosphere and then re-enters and falls to the surface of the earth.
• It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and thus acts as both a battlefield weapon and a deterrent.
• It is also called a strategic missile as it can hit long-range targets.
• The Agni-I, Agni-II, and Agni-III missiles were developed under the IGMDP.
• Agni-IV: It was earlier known as Agni II+ / Agni II Prime. Agni-IV has a range of 3,000 km and can take a warhead of 1 tonne.
  • It's a two-stage missile powered by solid propellant. 
  • It can be fired from a road-mobile launcher. 
  • The missile has been under induction since 2014.
• Agni-V:It’san intercontinental ballistic missile with a 5,000 km range and Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) has been developed by DRDO.
  • Agni-V shares a similar design as Agni-III with an extra stage added to further increase the range by 1500 km. 
  • In Jan 2018, India successfully conducted the "first pre-induction trial" of it over the 5,000-km range. 
• Agni VI/Surya Missile:It is an intercontinental ballistic missile reported to be in the early stages of development by India.
  • It is to be the latest and most advanced version among the Agni missile program. 
  • It will be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land and will have a strike range of 8,000-10,000 km with MIRVed warheads. 
  • Surya Missile will be a four-stage intercontinental ballistic missile.