India successfully conducts training launch of short-range ballistic missile Agni-1

India has successfully conducted the training launch of short-range ballistic missile Agni-1 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday (November 7, 2023).

"The user training launch, carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, successfully validated all operational and technical parameters," the ministry added.

The performance of such launches are validated using data obtained by many tracking systems, including radar, telemetry and electro-optical systems. The missile was successfully test-fired the last time on June 1 from the same launch base.

The Agni series of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear delivery options. The Agni-1 to 5 missiles are designed & developed by DRDO to act as deterrence & meet the country’s security requirements. The Agni 1 to 4 missiles, which are already deployed, have ranges varying between 700 km to 3,500 km.

The Indian armed forces will soon get an advanced version of thr Agni-1 missile system. On June 7, 2023, the DRDO successfully flight-tested the new generation ballistic missile, Agni Prime, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island. This marked 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.

With this, the path was cleared for the induction of Agni Prime, bolstering India's strategic defence capabilities and contributing to the nation's overall security.