In a first for India, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired the Agni-P, a new-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile, from a rail-based mobile launcher off the coast of Odisha, at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and highlighted the missile’s strategic advantages. He noted that the rail-based mobile launcher allows the missile to move across the country without any prior setup, providing high mobility and enabling a rapid launch with minimal detection.
The Agni-P boasts advanced features that strengthen India’s defence capabilities. Its canisterised design simplifies storage and transportation, while the missile uses a ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (INS) and a micro inertial navigation system (MINS), along with optional GPS and NaVIC satellite navigation, ensuring precise targeting.
Previous tests have shown the missile to be highly accurate, making it a reliable deterrent. The successful test reinforces India’s ability to develop sophisticated missile systems and adds to its strategic deterrence arsenal.
The DRDO plans further trials to validate the Agni-P missile’s performance before it is formally inducted into the Indian Armed Forces. The missile’s mobility, quick launch readiness, and advanced guidance system make it a significant addition to India’s defence infrastructure.
