India successfully test-fired Agni-1, a medium-range ballistic missile, from the Strategic Forces Command on 1 June 2023 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The missile is a proven system, capable of hitting targets with a very high degree of accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all the operational and technical parameters of the missile.
Information About Agni-I Missile
Agni-I is a medium-range ballistic missile that was developed by India's DRDO in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It is a single-stage missile that was developed after the Kargil War to bridge the gap between the 250 km (160-mi) range of the Prithvi-II missile and the 2,500 km (1,600-mi) range of the Agni-II. It was first launched on 25 January 2002 from a road mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Wheeler Island.
The Agni-I missile is 15 meters in length and weighs 12 tonnes, the Agni-1 has a range of 700–900 km and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead at speed. The Agni missile consists of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range). These are rail and road mobile and propelled by solid propellant. Agni-I with a special warhead load can reach 1200 km. Agni-I is less expensive, simpler, more accurate and more maneuverable than Agni-II.
Focus on increasing strategic capability
India has been focusing on enhancing its strategic capability over the last two decades by developing various ballistic missiles, precision-guided munitions and related 'platforms'. India has developed various variants of 'Agni' series missiles. Last December, India successfully test-fired Agni-5, a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that can hit targets up to 5,000 km away. Agni 1 to 4 missiles have a range of 700 km to 3,500 km and have already been deployed.