Agni – Prime : New-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile

Agni – Prime : New-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile

Part of: GS Prelims and GS III – Defence and Security

In news 

• A new-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

About Agni-P (Prime)

• The ‘Agni Prime’ is the advanced version of the ‘Agni-1’ missile.
• It is a short-range ballistic missile that will have a range of 1000 km to 1500 km. 
• It will have advanced features in agility and road mobility. 
• It is a surface to a surface missile that can carry a payload of around 1,000 Kg or a nuclear warhead. 
• The double stage missile will be lighter and much sleeker than its predecessor ‘Agni-1’.
• It is a canisterised missile.
  • Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility.

About Agni class of missiles

• The Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. 

Important value additions 

Submarine missiles

• In the past few years, India has also operationalised its submarine-based nuclear launch capability, completing the nuclear triad.
• The DRDO successfully test-fired a 3,500-km range submarine-launched ballistic missile, K-4. 
• Once inducted, these missiles will be the mainstay of the Arihant class of indigenous ballistic missile nuclear submarines (SSBN). 
  • It will give India the stand-off capability to launch nuclear weapons submerged in Indian waters.
• INS Arihant, the only SSBN in service, is armed with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km.