CHANDIPUR (ODISHA), October 14 — The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), in operational coordination with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Wednesday successfully conducted a routine user training launch of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) 'Agni-IV' from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha littoral.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the successful flight trial validated all operational and technical mission parameters under the custody of armed forces personnel. Propelled by a two-stage composite solid-propellant motor, Agni-IV possesses a strike range of approximately 4,000 kilometers and delivers a 1,000-kilogram conventional or thermonuclear warhead. The trajectory was monitored and evaluated by terminal radars, telemetry stations, and naval tracking vessels positioned downrange in the Bay of Bengal, confirming pinpoint target impact.
The missile integrates state-of-the-art avionics, including an indigenously manufactured Ring Laser Gyro-based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) supported by a Micro Inertial Navigation System (MINGS) and digital onboard computers. Its road-mobile launcher capability affords high operational flexibility and reduced launch preparation timelines.
The evolutionary lineage of India's Agni missile family (Agni-I through canisterised Agni-V and Agni-Prime), institutional architecture of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA comprising the Political Council chaired by the Prime Minister and Executive Council headed by the NSA), Strategic Forces Command (SFC raised in 2003), and India's Nuclear Doctrine are essential topics across UPSC Civil Services (GS-III: Defence, Technology & Deterrence) and CDS recruitment examinations.