India Conducts Successful Training Launch Of Agni-1 Ballistic Missile From Island In Odisha

Several variants of the Agni series of missiles have been launched by India in the past that have long range strike capabilities.

India carries out successful training launch of Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1 on Thursday. The missile, which is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision was launched from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. ''A successful training launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, Agni-1, was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on June 1,'' read the statement released by the Ministry of Defence.

''The missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile,'' the statement further read.

Several variants of the Agni series of missiles have been launched by India in the past. A nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V, having a strike range of 5,000 km was successfully test-fired in December last year.

The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km and they have already been deployed.

As part of its ambitious ballistic missile defence programme, India successfully carried out the maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal in April, reported PTI.

The purpose of the trial of the sea-based missile was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat, thereby elevating India into an elite club of nations having such a capability.

The BMDs are capable of intercepting incoming long-range nuclear missiles and hostile aircraft including AWACS (airborne warning and control systems). India has been developing capabilities to intercept hostile ballistic missiles both inside and outside the earth's atmospheric limits, reported PTI.