The Agni missile is part of the intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India. The name ‘Agni’ is derived from one of the five elements of nature.
The Defence Research and Development Organization designed missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable, surface to surface ballistic missiles.
In this article, we have provided information of the Agni missile series, starting from Agni-I to Agni-VI.
Let us learn more about the Agni missile series.
Agni-I
Agni-I is a medium range ballistic missile that was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
It is a single-stage missile and was developed after the Kargil War to fill the gap between the 250km range of the Prithvi-II missile and the 2,500km range of the Agni-II.
The missile is used by the Strategic Forces Command. It is 15m long and has a single stage composite rocket motor type engine.
The Agni-I has been in service since 2004.
Agni-II
Agni-II is the second strategic ballistic missile of the Agni series. It is a medium range ballistic missile with two solid fuel stages and a Post Boost Vehicle integrated into the missile’s re-entry vehicle.
It is 21m long and has a multi-stage solid rocket engine type. It was designed by the Defence Research and Development Organization and is used by the Strategic Forces Command.
The Agni’s manoeuvring RV is made of a carbon composite material that is light and able to sustain high thermal stresses of re-entry, in a variety of trajectories.
Agni-II missile has a 2,000km strike range and can carry a payload of 1,000kg over a distance of 2,000km.
Agni-III
Agni-III is the successor of Agni-II and came into service in 2011.
It is an Indian intermediate range ballistic missile and has a range of 3,000 to 5,000 km. It is the most accurate strategic ballistic missile of its range class in the world, which increases its efficiency and lethality.
Agni-III is also used by the Indian Strategic Command.
The missile is 16.7 meters long and is a two-stage, solid-fuelled missile and can launch a payload of 1,500 kg to an estimated range of 3,000 to 3,500 km.
Agni-IV
Fourth in the Agni series, Agni-IV was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization. It was earlier called ‘Agni II prime’. The missile inculcates a number of new technologies and significant improvements in missile technology.
It is a light weight missile and has two stage of solid propulsion and a payload with a re-entry heat shield.
Agni-IV has a 4,000 km range and is approximately 20 meters long.
The missile is used by the Indian Strategic Forces Command. It has a multi-stage composite rocket motor type engine.
Agni-V
Agni-V is the fifth missile as part of the Agni series. It is an Indian nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missile and was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization.
It has a range of 8,000 km and is 17.5 meters long. Agni-V is a three-stage solid-fuelled engine missile and is capable of striking targets accurately up to 5,000 km.
The missile was successfully launched on 27th October, 2021.
Agni-VI
India is now working on developing Agni-VI. It is said to have a range of 10,000 km.
The missile will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Agni-VI will be an MIRV-capable intercontinental ballistic missile. It is said to be sleeker than the Agni-V and will be capable of carrying at least ten nuclear warheads, with a capability of targeting multiple targets simultaneously.
This missile will be the latest and newest model of the ‘Agni’ series.
In this article we have gone through the Agni series starting from Agni-I to Agni-VI.
India has come a long way in developing the Agni missiles and this has given the nation an edge in security as well as proven the country’s independence and advancement in technology.
I hope this article was insightful.
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