Showcasing technological mastery, India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Wednesday successfully flight-tested Agni-Prime ballistic missiles off the coast of Odisha.
“Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted the successful flight-test of new generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 1900 hours on April 3,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
According to a Defence Ministry statement, the test met all the trial objectives, validating its reliable performance, as confirmed by the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point.
The launch was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, SFC, and the Armed Forces on the successful test. He stated that the successful development and induction of the missile will be an excellent force multiplier for the Armed Forces.
Strategic Force Command
The Prime missile is a medium-range missile that uses solid fuel and can be moved on roads. It is the most advanced missile in India’s weapons system and marks the beginning of a new generation of missiles after the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. However, in terms of range, the Prime missile does not represent a significant advancement, as the Agni V missile already has a range of more than 5000 km.
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is a specialised tri-service formation within the Indian Armed Forces. Its mandate, which came into existence in 2003, is to safeguard the sanctity, security, and efficacy of India’s nuclear deterrent. It oversees India’s nuclear armoury across land, air, and sea, epitomised by the Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles, the BrahMos cruise missile, and the Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
Ravi Shankar
