Agni-II ballistic missile successfully test fired

Surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile was successfully test-fired from the Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha coast. The test was conducted as part of user trial by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) with logistics support from Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). It was aimed at re-establishing operational effectiveness of weapon system.

Agni-II

Agni-II is two-stage nuclear capable surface-to-surface missile developed indigenously by DRDO. It is 21-metre long and weighs 17 tonnes. It has strike range of 2000 kilometres, which can also be increased to 3000km by reducing the payload. It is propelled by the solid rocket propellant system. It can carry a nuclear payload of 1 thousand kilograms.
It is one of the sophisticated weapons that can act as a deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbours. It is equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system. It is guided by a novel scheme of state of the art command and control system. It can be fired from both rail and road mobile launchers and it takes only 15 minutes for the missile to be readied for firing.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2018