ICBM Agni-IV successfully test-fired off Odisha coast

India successfully test-fired its home-grown long range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-IV from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island off Odisha coast.
The test was aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in Agni-IV system and checking the readiness of armed forces to launch the missile on its own.

About Agni-IV missile

• Agni-IV is two-stage surface-to-surface nuclear capable intercontinental ballistic missile.
• It has been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Feature: It is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes. It has many cutting-edge technologies which can meet global standards including Pershing missile of US.
• It is fire and forget missile navigated using a jam proof ring laser gyroscope. Its re-entry heat shield can withstand temperatures in the range of over 4,000⁰
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art Avionics, 5th generation on-board computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for in-flight disturbances.
• Equipped with most accurate ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (RINS) and supported by highly reliable redundant micro navigation system (MINGS) that ensures it hit target within two-digit accuracy.
• Range: It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometres.
• Operability: The missile can be fired from locations deeper in the Indian hinterland, making it very difficult for the enemy to track and destroy it. The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability.

It was the sixth test of the missile and the previous test was conducted on November 09, 2015 by the specially formed strategic force command (SFC) of Indian Army.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2017