Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Agni Prime , Other Agni variants

Mains level: Read the attached story

agni prime

Central Idea: India successfully tested the new-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile with a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres.

About Agni Prime Missile

Stages: Agni-P is a two-stage, surface-to-surface, road-mobile, and solid-fueled missile.
Canister-Launch System: Agni-P is launched via a canister, providing operational flexibility and ease of transport.
Advanced Systems: Agni-P incorporates new propulsion systems, composite rocket motor casings, and advanced navigation and guidance systems.

History and Development

Development Timeline: Beginning in 2016, DRDO has been developing Agni-P as a successor to enhance accuracy and reliability.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Agni-P is part of India’s strategy to counter China’s naval capabilities and achieve parity in anti-access/area denial.
International Implications: Agni-P’s development positions India in the regional power dynamics and could impact arms control treaties.

Manoeuvrability and Accuracy: Agni-P features a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV) for precise delivery of warheads to multiple locations.
Transportability: The missile is stored in a hermetically sealed tandem twin canister launcher, allowing for swift transportation through road and rail.
Weight Reduction: Composite materials are utilized in both stages of Agni-P to reduce weight and enhance performance.

Counterforce Capability: Agni-P aims to deter neighbourhood enemy forces, given its limited range.
Enhanced Deterrence: The missile strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities and contributes to national security.
Regional Power Dynamics: Agni-P’s development is part of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, impacting regional power dynamics.

Agni I: It is a Medium Range Ballistic Missile with a Range of 700-800 km.
Agni II: It is also a Medium Range Ballistic Missile with a Range more than 2000 km.
Agni III: It is also an Inter-Medium Range Ballistic Missile with Range of more than 2,500 Km
Agni IV: It is also an Inter-Medium Range Ballistic Missile with Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road mobile launcher.
Agni-V: Currently it is the longest of Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
Agni- VI: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of ICBM 11,000–12,000 km.