Agni missile

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The Agni missile (named after Agni or fire, one of the 5 elements of nature) is an IRBM developed under the IGMDP by India. It was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989, and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. It consists of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range). It is rail and road mobile. It is powered by solid and/or liquid propellants.

On 15th May, 2005 it was announced that Agni-III is "technically ready" for launch [link]. This missile has a range between 4,000 to 6,000 km. India delayed its missile test due to diplomatic reasons related to non-proliferation [link].

Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles. The Agni I has a range of 700-800 km while the Agni-II as a range of 2,000–2,500 km. They are claimed to be a part of the "credible deterrence" against Pakistan and China. The Agni-II can only reach some parts of western China. Right now most of eastern China remains out of range from the Indian missiles.

Agni-III was tested on July 9, 2006 from Wheeler island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa.[link] After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket had failed to seperate and the missile had fallen well short of its target.[link] It can hit strategic targets deep inside China, including Shanghai and Beijing with a strike range of more than 3,000 km. It falls short of the range of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) which have ranges over 5,000 km.

The Indian Missile Program has been a largely indigenous one with almost all of the equipment developed by Indian scientists. However it is delayed by some years as more variants of Agni are expected. Some parts of the missile have benefited from India's Space Program.

Agni missile

See also