IT Correspondent
Mumbai, June 07:
A successful training launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile Agni-IV was carried out from complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island (earlier wheeler island) in Odisha, on Monday morning, Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The test-fire was conducted at approximately 1930 hours and it was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launch validated all operational parameters as also the reliability of the system. The successful test reaffirms India’s policy of having a Credible Minimum Deterrence Capability, the statement added.
During the test fire, the radar and electro-optical systems were positioned along the coast of Odisha for monitoring all parameters of the missile, and two Indian Navy ships were anchored near the target area to witness the event, official sources said.
The test was described s a complete success and the mission objectives were met during the test fire. All radars monitored the flight performance of the missile, launched with the support of a mobile launcher.
The indigenously developed sophisticated Agni-IV having a 4,000 km strike range is a two-stage missile. It is lighter in weight and uses a two-stage rocket engine powered by solid propellant. It is 20 meters long with a weight of 17 tonnes. The test was part of a user trial by the Army.
Agni-IV missile is equipped with advanced Avionics, 5 th generation onboard computer, and distributed architecture. It is equipped with a feature to correct itself for in-flight disturbances.
Agni-IV is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime. It has been developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO). It displays significant improvement in missile technology. It is lightweight and has two stages of solid propulsion and a payload with a re-entry heat shield. It is capable of striking targets in nearly all of mainland China if launched from the northeastern part of India. It is one of a kind, proving many new technologies for the first time, and represents a significant leap in India’s missile technology, DRDO sources said.