AGNI-PRIME: NEW GENERATION BALLISTIC MISSILE

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted a successful test flight of the next-generation ballistic missile, Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 03, 2024.

About the Agni-Prime Missile:

• Agni-Prime is a nuclear-capable, advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
• It is a two-stage canisterized missile with a maximum range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers.
• It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series missiles, weighing at least 50% less than the Agni 3 missile.
• It includes new guidance and propulsion systems.
• Agni-Prime can be transported by road and rail and stored for long periods of time, reducing the time required for preparation and launch.
• The missile uses a cold launch mechanism and can be fired in salvo mode.
• The first test of the 'Agni Prime' was conducted in 2021, while the second test was conducted 6 months later in December.
• Last year in June, the DRDO carried out the first night launch of the 'Agni Prime' missile

What are Ballistic Missiles?

• Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled, self-guided weapon systems that can carry conventional or nuclear munitions.
• They are launched directly into the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere and can travel outside the atmosphere, where the warhead separates from the missile and falls toward a predetermined target.
• Ballistic missiles can be launched from aircraft, ships, submarines, and land.

FAQs:

Q1: What is a Cruise Missile?

1. A cruise missile is a self-propelled, unmanned guided vehicle that uses aerodynamic lift to sustain flight for most of its path.
2. Its main purpose is to deliver a payload to a target with high precision over long distances.
3. Cruise missiles can be launched from many ground, air, sea, and submarine platforms.
4. They fly at low altitudes and stay within the Earth's atmosphere throughout their trajectory.

Most cruise missiles are subsonic and use turbofan and turbojet engines. Supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles use ramjet and scramjet engines. Hypersonic missiles are weapons systems that fly at least at the speed of Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.

Some of the best cruise missiles in service with various nations include:

1. Tomahawk: Known for its long-range capabilities, accuracy, and versatility
2. BrahMos: A joint venture between India and Russia, this is the fastest cruise missile in world in operation

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