Agni 1 test-fired off the Odisha coast
Context:
- India successfully test-fired its short-range nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-1 with a strike rang of over 700 km from a test range off the Odisha coast.
Key facts about Agni-1
- The 15-metre-long Agni-I weighing 12 tonne can carry payloads up to 1,000 kg.
- The Strategic Forces Command of the Army conducted the user trial of the 700 km range missile from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore.
- The missile was inducted into service in 2004.
- The surface-to-surface, single stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was launched as part of a regular training exercise by the armed forces.
- The sophisticated Agni-I missile is propelled by a solid rocket propellant system
- It was also equipped with a specialised navigation system that ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of precision.
- It has proved its excellent performance in terms of range and accuracy.
- The last trial was successfully conducted on November 22, 2016 from the same base.
