India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile with 4,000 km Range

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile with 4,000 km Range

India has successfully conducted a test-fire of the Agni-4 Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has once again demonstrated India’s growing military capabilities.

Details of the Agni-4 Test Launch

  • The launch was conducted under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
  • The Agni-4 is an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) that has a range of up to 4,000 kilometres.
  • The missile stands 20 metres long and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.
  • Agni-4 can be launched from a road-mobile launcher, adding to its flexibility in deployment.

Technical Validation

The recent test-fire validated all key operational and technical parameters of the missile. This successful trial ensures the continued reliability and accuracy of the missile system.

Historical Context of Agni-4

  • The Agni-4 missile was first test-fired in 2012, covering a distance of over 3,000 km in just 20 minutes, making it the longest-range missile tested by the DRDO at the time.
  • Earlier known as Agni-2 Prime, the missile marked a significant step forward in India’s missile development program.

Agni Missile Family Development

  • The Agni missile series, designed and developed by the DRDO, reflects India’s advanced missile technology.
  • The Agni-5, the next in line, further extends India’s reach with indigenously developed long-range ballistic missiles.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is the range of the Agni-4 missile?
    • a) 2,000 km
    • b) 3,000 km
    • c) 4,000 km
    • d) 5,000 km
      Answer: c) 4,000 km
  2. From which location was the Agni-4 missile test-fired?
    • a) Pokhran, Rajasthan
    • b) Chandipur, Odisha
    • c) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
    • d) Bengaluru, Karnataka
      Answer: b) Chandipur, Odisha
  3. What is the payload capacity of the Agni-4 missile?
    • a) 500 kg
    • b) 750 kg
    • c) 1,000 kg
    • d) 1,500 kg
      Answer: c) 1,000 kg
  4. In which year was the Agni-4 missile first test-fired?
    • a) 2010
    • b) 2012
    • c) 2015
    • d) 2018
      Answer: b) 2012
  5. Which organization is responsible for designing and developing the Agni missile series?
    • a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
    • b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    • c) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
    • d) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
      Answer: b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)