Agni-P Missile

Subject – Defence and Security

Context – DRDO tests Agni-P missile for second time

Concept –

A new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni-P (Prime), was successfully flight tested from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha.
Agni-P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
It is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system that can be launched from rail and road and stored for a longer period.
It can be transported across the length and breadth of the country, as per requirements.
Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility.
The new ballistic missile, which has a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres, weighs half of Agni III and has new kinds of propulsion and new guidance.
It also comes with the technologies found in the 4000-kilometre range Agni-IV and 5000-kilometre range Agni-V. The new Agni P can be used to target enemy warships in the Indo-Pacific.
Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability which also includes the Prithvi short range ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft.
- The longest of the Agni series, Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, has already been tested several times and validated for induction.