India successfully test fires n-capable Agni-I ballistic missile

Bhubaneswar: India successfully test fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range off the Odisha coast.

The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army conducted the user trial of the 700 km range missile from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore.

It was 18th version of Agni-I, which could achieve all parameters within the stipulated time period, said defence sources.

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According to the sources, the missile was inducted into service in 2004.

The surface-to-surface, single-stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was launched as part of a regular training exercise by the armed forces, said the defence sources.

The trial reconfirms the Army's readiness to fire it at short notice, the sources added.

The Agni-I missile has a specialised navigation system which ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

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ABOUT AGNI-I BALLISTIC MISSILE

• It processes a range of 700 kilometres.
• Agni-I is the first missile of the country’s most ambitious Agni series designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The missile is powered by both solid and liquid propellants which imparts it a speed of 2.5 km per second.
• Agni-I, having a height of 15 metres, can be launched from both road and rail mobile launchers.
• The missile weighs around 12 tonnes and can carry both conventional and nuclear payload of about 1000 kg.