Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the second flight test of the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-P on Saturday, according to reports. The test-fire was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha.
A statement given by the DRDO noted, “Various telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations and downrange ships positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile trajectory and parameters. The missile followed textbook trajectory meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy,”
New generation ballistic missile ‘Agni P’ successfully test-fired by DRDO from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. #AmritMahotsav #IconicWeek https://t.co/7ex3kBczCL pic.twitter.com/FI8yC4Z1K6
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 18, 2021
Ministry of Defence stated that the second flight test of the missile Agni-P has proved the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies integrated into its system. Earlier this year, the first test of the nuclear-capable Agni-P was conducted by DRDO on June 28. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful mission.
The Agni P Missile has been successfully tested off the coast of Odisha.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 18, 2021
The flight test has proven the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies integrated into the system.
Congratulations to Team @DRDO_India. The nation is proud of their achievements. pic.twitter.com/14CCwT6sG8
What is Agni-P missile?
According to DRDO officials, Agni-P is a two-staged ballistic missile using solid propellants. This new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles boasts of improved parameters, including manoeuvring and accuracy. Canisterisation of missiles has been incorporated into Agni-P to shorten the time required for its launch while simultaneously improving the storage and the process of handling. Agi-P has a range of between 1000 km and 2000 km.
Notably, the Agni class of missiles are a part of India’s nuclear launch capability which also consist of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. The Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V which covers more than 5,000 km in the range had undergone several tests and readied for induction.