New Delhi: India achieved a significant milestone on Friday (September 6) as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Agni-4 ballistic missile. This test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
The Agni-4 missile is an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 4,000 kilometres away. It has the power to carry nuclear warheads, enhancing India’s strategic power and adding a critical element to its defence arsenal.
Key features of Angi-4
Standing at 20 meters in length and weighing about 17 tons, Agni-4 is a two-stage missile. One of its key features is its ability to be launched from mobile launchers, such as road or rail-based systems, making its deployment swift and flexible.
The missile includes an indigenous ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation system and a digital control system, ensuring exceptional accuracy.
The primary objective of the test was to reinforce India’s defense capabilities while sending a clear message to potential adversaries. Experts suggest that Agni-4 has the capability to target major cities in China and Pakistan within just 20 minutes, further strengthening India’s security posture.
What Defence Ministry said
The Defence Ministry confirmed the successful test, highlighting it as a major achievement for the country. “A successful launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, #Agni4, was carried out from Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha today. The launch successfully validated all operational & technical parameters. It was conducted under the aegis of Strategic Forces Command,” it stated in a post on X.
#JustIn | A successful launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, #Agni4, was carried out from Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha today. The launch successfully validated all operational & technical parameters. It was conducted under the aegis of Strategic Forces…
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 6, 2024
DRDO has been instrumental in developing this advanced missile system and the successful test is seen as another step towards India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence technology. This marks a continuation of progress since the first successful test of the Agni-4 missile on November 15, 2011.
Agni-4’s mobility is a significant advantage, as it can be launched from an 8×8 transport erector launcher or a rail mobile launcher, giving India flexibility in its missile deployment. The missile’s navigation system is digitally controlled, allowing for precise targeting and effective operation in various conditions.