Q. Write short notes on: “Agni” (39 BPSC/1993)

Q. Write short notes on: “Agni” (39 BPSC/1993)

The Agni missile is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India, named after one of the five elements of nature. Agni missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable surface to surface ballistic missile.
The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and tested in 1989. After its success, Agni missile program was separated from the IGMDP upon realizing its strategic importance. It was designated as a special program in India’s defence budget and provided adequate funds for subsequent development.The family comprises the following:

• Agni-I:
  • MRBM  
  • 700–1,200 km
  • (Operational)
• Agni-II:
  • MRBM  
  • 2,000–3,500 km
  • (Operational)
• Agni-III:
  • IRBM    
  • 3,000–5,000 km
  • (Operational)
• Agni-IV:   
  • IRBM  
  • 3,500–4,000  km
  • (Operational)
• Agni-V:
  • ICBM
  • 5,000–8,000 km
  • (Operational)
• Agni-VI:
  • ICBM  
  • 11,000–12,000 km
  • (Under development)

The latest version, Agni-V is a solid fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It will greatly expand India’s reach to strike targets more than 5,500 km away. Coming version Agni-VII will be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, and will have a strike-range of 8,000–10,000 km.