Context:
Recently, training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’ was carried out successfully from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
About Agni Missiles:
- Medium to long-range Surface-to-air ballistic missile.
- Design and developed by – Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO)
- Umbrella program – Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)
- Operated by – Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- A key tri-services formation that administers all the strategic assets
- Falls under the Nuclear Command Authority of India.
- Purpose – To act as deterrence & meet the country’s security requirements.
Agni-I is the 1st in the series which was tested in 1989.
| Missile | Range (Km) | Features |
| Agni-I | Medium Range (700-1200) | Customised weapon loadHave high degree of precision |
| Agni-P | Medium Range (1000-2000) | 2-stage canister missileIndia’s 1st Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) missileLaunch from train or road |
| Agni-II | Medium Range (2000-2500) | Nuclear capableNight operable |
| Agni-III | Intermediate Range (Up to 3500) | Can target Pakistan and China |
| Agni-IV | Intermediate (3500-4000) | Launch from road mobile launcher |
| Agni-V | Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (>5500) | India’s 1st ICBMNight capable |
| Agni-VI | Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (8000-10000) | Under developmentLaunch from land and submarine |
IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program):
- Conceived by – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Aim – To enable India attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology.
- 5 missiles developed under IGMP –
- Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile.
- Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e. Agni (1,2,3,4,5)
- Trishul: Short range low level surface to air missile.
- Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
- Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Ballistic missiles are powered by rocket engines throughout their entire trajectory. The engine operates for the first few minutes of flight, and then the missile follows a trajectory guided by gravity. On the other hand, cruise missiles are jet-propelled and they maintain powered flight for the entirety of their journey, not just the initial phase.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia. It uses a two-stage propulsion system, with solid propellant in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage.
