Agni Prime Missile - Detailed Information for UPSC Exam Preparation

A Closer Look at the Agni Prime Missile

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The Agni Prime, or Agni-P, is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid propellant and is stored in a canister. It has dual navigation and guidance systems for redundancy.

• Agni-P is a canisterized surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 1,000–2,000 km.
• The Agni-P is an advanced form of the Agni class, developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• The Agni Prime, also known as the Agni P, is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to replace the Agni-I and Agni-II missiles.
• The missile incorporates the latest navigation technologies, new composites, propulsion systems, and innovative guidance and control methods.
• The Agni-P is the sixth ballistic missile in the Agni series.
• After three successful development tests, the Tri-Services Strategic Forces Command, responsible for managing the country’s nuclear weapons, conducted its first pre-induction night launch.
• This exercise confirmed the system’s precision and reliability.
• This ballistic missile will gradually replace the existing Agni-I (700).

Delving into the Agni Missile

India's nuclear launch capabilities are primarily composed of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, and the Agni family of missiles.

• Agni missiles are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with high range and nuclear weapons capability.
• The Agni-I, the first missile in the series, was developed and tested in 1989 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Following the success of the Agni missile programme, it was separated from the IGMDP due to its strategic significance.
• Recognised as a special programme in India’s defence budget, it received adequate funding for its future development. The Agni series of missiles entered service in November 2019.