The recent successful flight test of the Agni Prime ballistic missile off the Odisha coast has marked a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities. This pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of the system. The Agni Prime missile is set to gradually replace the Agni-I missiles in India’s arsenal, enhancing the country’s deterrence against potential threats. This essay will explore the key features of the Agni Prime missile and its significance in strengthening India’s defense against both China and Pakistan.

The Evolution of Agni Missiles
  • Brief overview of the existing Agni missile series:
    • Agni-I (700-km)
    • Prithvi-II (350-km)
    • Agni-II (2,000-km)
    • Agni-III (3,000-km)
    • Agni-IV (4,000-km)
  • The need for Agni Prime as a successor to Agni-I
New Features of Agni Prime
  • Advanced propulsion systems: The Agni Prime incorporates new propulsion systems, ensuring improved performance and range.
  • Composite rocket motor casings: The missile employs composite rocket motor casings, which enhance its structural integrity and durability.
  • Navigation and guidance systems: Advanced navigation and guidance systems equip the Agni Prime with superior precision and accuracy.
Canister-Launch System
  • Explanation of canister-launch system: The Agni Prime adopts a canister-launch system, similar to India’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, Agni-V.
  • Operational flexibility: The canister-launch system enables the missile to be stored for extended periods, transported swiftly via rail or road, and launched from various locations as required.
  • Increased readiness: With the warhead already mated with the missile, the armed forces can quickly respond to potential threats, enhancing their operational readiness.
Significance in Strengthening Defense Capabilities
  • Deterrence against China: The Agni Prime, along with the Agni-V missile, expands India’s deterrence capabilities against China. While the Agni-V can target all of China, the Agni Prime is specifically designed with Pakistan in mind.
  • Addressing regional threats: The Agni Prime provides India with a strong deterrent against potential adversaries, thereby contributing to regional stability and security.
  • Enhancing strategic balance: The introduction of the Agni Prime missile strengthens India’s position in the geopolitical landscape, ensuring a more robust defense posture.
The Agni Prime Missile's: What You Should Know
Courtesy:Adda247

Important Points:

Agni Prime: A game-changer in India’s defense arsenal! ๐Ÿ’ฅKey Features:

  • New propulsion systems and composite rocket motor casings ๐Ÿš€
  • Advanced navigation and guidance systems ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ
  • Canister-launch system for enhanced operational flexibility ๐Ÿš›๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ’ฃ

Significance:

  • Strengthening deterrence against China and Pakistan ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ
  • Agni Prime as a successor to Agni-I missile ๐ŸŽฏ
  • Contributing to regional stability and security ๐ŸŒโœŒ๏ธ

Evolution of Agni Missiles:

  • Agni-I (700-km) โžก๏ธ Agni Prime
  • Prithvi-II (350-km)
  • Agni-II (2,000-km)
  • Agni-III (3,000-km)
  • Agni-IV (4,000-km)

Canister-Launch System:

  • Storage for long periods, swift transportation, and flexible firing locations ๐Ÿšš๐Ÿ”’๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ’ฅ
  • Operational readiness and quick response capability โšก๐Ÿš€

Agni Prime’s Role:

  • Strengthening India’s defense capabilities ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ๐Ÿ’ช
  • Addressing regional threats and enhancing strategic balance โš–๏ธ๐ŸŒ
  • Ensuring a robust defense posture for national security ๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿ”’
Why In News

The Agni Prime ballistic missile, developed and tested by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), achieved another milestone as it soared flawlessly during its recent trial off the Odisha coast. This successful flight test showcases India’s growing prowess in missile technology and strengthens its strategic deterrence capabilities.

MCQs about Agni Prime Missile’s

  1. What was the primary purpose of the Agni Prime ballistic missile?
    A. To replace the Agni-II missile
    B. To strengthen India’s defense against China and Pakistan
    C. To provide advanced navigation and guidance systems
    D. To enhance the operational flexibility of missile storage
    Correct Answer: B. To strengthen India’s defense against China and Pakistan
    Explanation: The Agni Prime missile’s primary purpose is to enhance India’s defense capabilities against potential threats from both China and Pakistan.
  2. Which feature distinguishes the Agni Prime missile from its predecessors?
    A. New propulsion systems and composite rocket motor casings
    B. Canister-launch system for operational flexibility
    C. Advanced navigation and guidance systems
    D. Extended strike range of over 5,000 km
    Correct Answer: B. Canister-launch system for operational flexibility
    Explanation: The Agni Prime missile stands out from its predecessors due to its canister-launch system, which provides operational flexibility for storage, transportation, and firing.
  3. Which Agni missile will the Agni Prime gradually replace?
    A. Agni-I
    B. Agni-II
    C. Agni-III
    D. Agni-IV
    Correct Answer: A. Agni-I
    Explanation: The Agni Prime missile is intended to gradually replace the Agni-I missile in India’s defense arsenal.
  4. What is the significance of the Agni Prime missile in strengthening India’s defense capabilities?
    A. Targeting all of China within its strike range
    B. Ensuring regional stability and security
    C. Providing a stronger deterrence against Pakistan
    D. Incorporating advanced propulsion systems
    Correct Answer: C. Providing a stronger deterrence against Pakistan
    Explanation: The Agni Prime missile is specifically developed to enhance India’s deterrence capabilities against Pakistan, while the Agni-V targets all of China.

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