Successful flight test of new generation ballistic missile Agni Prime paves way for induction into armed forces

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the new generation ballistic missile, Agni Prime, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 7, 2023. This marks the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.

As a result, the path has been cleared for the induction of Agni Prime into the Armed Forces, bolstering India's strategic defence capabilities and contributing to the nation's overall security.

During the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated, with range instrumentation like radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships at the terminal point, to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.

Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight-test, which has paved the way for the induction of the system into the Armed Forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Armed Forces for the success, as well as the "copy-book performance" of the new generation ballistic missile Agni Prime. Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts put in by the teams of DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.

Agni Prime, the new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles, represents a significant step forward in India's defence capabilities. As a canisterised missile, it offers increased mobility and ease of deployment, making it a versatile addition to the country's arsenal. With a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers, Agni Prime is designed to address a wide range of strategic targets, further enhancing India's deterrence capabilities.

The third successful development trial, conducted on October 21, 2022, saw India test-firing Agni Prime from off the coast of Odisha. Defence officials confirmed that all test objectives were met, establishing the accuracy and reliability of the system.

Performance was validated using data obtained by many tracking systems, including radar, telemetry, and electro-optical systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful test stating, "The successful test of the 'Agni Prime' underlines India's endeavour for its defence sector to be self-reliant."

The second trial, held on December 18, 2021, saw DRDO successfully testing the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni P from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha. The missile followed a textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy, said the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Minister Singh, who congratulated DRDO for the successful flight test, expressed his happiness for the excellent performance of the system. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of the team to have done the second development flight trial with many additional features and congratulated them for the consecutive success within the same calendar year.

The first trial, executed on June 28, 2021, saw DRDO successfully flight testing the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni P from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha, Balasore. The missile followed a textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy.

The successful flight tests of Agni Prime have showcased the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies integrated into the system. These tests have not only validated the missile's accuracy and reliability but also demonstrated India's commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector.