Agni-P

2022-01-18T03:19:06Z

2409:4073:1C:E96E:6049:5279:58B9:6A59: /* More about Agni P */

{{Short description|Indian medium-range ballistic missile}}
{{further|Agni (missile)|Agni-I}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = ''Agni-P''
| image = Agni-P 20210628 Cropped.jpg
| image_size = 150
| caption = First flight test of Agni-P from Abdul Kalam Island
| origin = [[India]]
| type = [[MRBM|Medium Range Ballistic Missile]]
| used_by = [[Strategic Forces Command]]
| designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]]
| unit_cost =
| production_date =
| service =
| propellant = [[Solid fuel]]
| engine = Two stage [[rocket motor]] with third stage [[MARV|MaRV]]<ref>{{cite news |title=India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/sep/13/india-to-conduct-first-user-trial-of-agni-v-missile-2357942.html|access-date=13 September 2021 |publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="TNIE">{{Cite news|author=Hemant Kumar Rout|date=2021-09-13|title=India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/sep/13/india-to-conduct-first-user-trial-of-agni-v-missile-2357942.html|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=2021-09-13}}</ref>
| wingspan =
| variants =
| speed =
| vehicle_range = 1,000 to 2,000 km<ref name="pib1test"/>
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| filling = Single or 2 x [[Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle|MIRV]]<ref name="TNIE">{{Cite news|author=Hemant Kumar Rout|date=2021-09-13|title=India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/sep/13/india-to-conduct-first-user-trial-of-agni-v-missile-2357942.html|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=2021-09-13}}</ref> ([[high explosive]], [[thermobaric]] and [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]])
| filling_weight = {{convert|1500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} - {{convert|3000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|11000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|10.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height =
| diameter = {{convert|1.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| guidance = [[Ring laser gyroscope|Ring laser gyro]] [[inertial navigation system]] with redundant micro inertial navigation and [[digital control]] system. Optionally augmented by [[GPS]]/[[NavIC]] [[satellite guidance]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shukla|first1=Ajai|title=Pakistan-aimed Agni-P ballistic missile flight-tested successfully|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/pakistan-aimed-agni-p-ballistic-missile-flight-tested-successfully-121062801469_1.html|access-date=29 June 2021|publisher=Business Standard|date=28 June 2021}}</ref>
| detonation =
| accuracy = 10 m [[Circular error probable|CEP]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=India test-launches new Agni-series nuclear-capable missile |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-test-launches-new-agni-series-nuclear-capable-missile |access-date=13 December 2021 |publisher=Janes |date=28 June 2021}}</ref>
| launch_platform = 8 x 8 [[BEML]] -
[[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] [[transporter erector launcher]]<ref name="pib1test"/>
}}

'''Agni-P''' or '''Agni-Prime''' ([[Agni|Agnī]] ''"Fire"'') is a [[medium-range ballistic missile]] being developed by [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) as a successor for [[Agni-I]] and [[Agni-II]] missiles in the operational service of [[Strategic Forces Command]] with significant upgrades in the form of composite motor casing, [[maneuverable reentry vehicle]] (MaRV) along with improved [[propellants]], [[navigation]] and [[guidance systems]].<ref name=rout1test/>

It is the sixth missile in the [[Agni (missile)]] series of [[ballistic missile]].
Agni Prime can be either transported on train or stored in canister.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agni-p-prime|title=Agni-P (Prime)|publisher=Dristi IAS|date=1 July 2021}}</ref>

==History and development==
[[File:Agni-Prime.webm|left|thumb|185x185px|Second test launch of Agni-P from Abdul Kalam Island.]]
Beginning in 2016, various media organisations have reported that DRDO is developing a successor of Agni-I called Agni-1P with two stages that borrowed the newer technologies from [[Agni-IV]] and [[Agni-V]] to increase accuracy and reliability.<ref name="rediff.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/a-brand-new-agni-missile-pakistan-should-be-wary-of/20161219.htm|title=A brand new Agni missile Pakistan should be wary of|website=Rediff|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref> India started working on [[area denial weapon]]s after China developed [[DF-21|DF-21D]] and [[DF-26|DF-26B]] with nuclear capability to counter [[US Navy]] which brought [[Naval Base Guam]] within its reach. As a counterbalance, the progress of Agni-P became crucial part of India's [[Indo-Pacific]] strategy to tackle China's plan of having five or six [[aircraft carrier battle group]]s by 2035 to cover both [[Pacific Ocean]] and [[Indian Ocean]] with access to future overseas logistical bases around the region such as the one it currently has in [[Djibouti]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2021-07-03|title=Agni P spearheads India's major naval revamp to deter China|url=https://english.lokmat.com/international/agni-p-spearheads-indias-major-naval-revamp-to-deter-china/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-04|website=Lokmat English|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=China using Pakistan for military logistics facilities: US Defence report|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/china-using-pakistan-for-military-logistics-facilities-us-defence-report20200907140759/|access-date=2021-07-06|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=China seeks to set up military logistic facilities in Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Myanmar|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/china-seeks-to-set-up-military-logistic-facilities-in-pakistan-sri-lanka-myanmar/articleshow/77889820.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-07-06}}</ref> Chinese military expert accepts that there is a capability enhancement demand in India as far as [[Anti-access/area denial|Anti Access/Area Denial]] (A2/AD) is concerned. Agni-P test also increases the chance of India to be part of the [[Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-02|title=China takes notice of India's test of 'carrier killer' Agni-P ballistic missile|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2021/07/02/china-takes-notice-of-indias-test-of-carrier-killer-agni-p-ballistic-missile/|access-date=2021-07-04|website=The Shillong Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 28 June 2021, DRDO successfully test fired Agni-P (earlier known as Agni-1P) from [[Abdul Kalam Island]] which carried two [[multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle]] (MIRV). This is a three-stage solid fuel missile with [[maneuverable reentry vehicle]] (MaRV) capability that delivered the warheads into two separate locations. The missile is stored in a [[hermetically sealed]] tandem twin canister launcher and transported through road and rail. It uses [[cold launch]] mechanism and can be fired in salvo mode.<ref name="indianexpress1">{{Cite web|last=Rout|first=Hemant Kumar|date=2021-09-13|title=India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/sep/13/india-to-conduct-first-user-trial-of-agni-v-missile-2357942.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-14|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|language=en}}</ref> As per [[V. K. Saraswat]], MIRV and MaRV technology were already on advance stages of development for [[Agni-VI]] in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2013-05-08|title=Advanced Agni-6 missile with multiple warheads likely by 2017|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/advanced-agni-6-missile-with-multiple-warheads-likely-by-2017-113050800034_1.html|access-date=2021-10-30}}</ref>

On 18 December 2021, second successful test was conducted from the coast of [[Odisha]] at [[Balasore]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-18|title=India successfully test-fires new generation Agni Prime missile off Odisha coast|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-new-generation-agni-prime-missile-off-odisha-coast-101639809200382.html|access-date=2021-12-18|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

The MaRV carries four delta fins for the terminal phase of the flight to avoid [[Missile defense|missile defense system]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-06-29|title=Agni P (Prime): India's ASBM in the Making and its Impact on Naval Warfare|url=https://www.eletimes.com/agni-p-prime-indias-asbm-in-the-making-and-its-impact-on-naval-warfare|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-01|website=ELE Times|language=en-US}}</ref> It is a new class of missile in Agni Series which is half the weight of [[Agni-III]]. Both first and second stage of Agni-P are made up of composite material for the purpose of weight reduction, which was mastered during Agni-V project.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2012-04-21|title=No intention to cap missile plan|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/no-intention-to-cap-missile-plan-112042102007_1.html|access-date=2021-06-29}}</ref> The missile carries an improved guidance package and propulsion system covering maximum distance of 2000 km with 1.5 ton payload.<ref name="pib1test">{{cite news|title=DRDO successfully flight tests New Generation Agni P Ballistic Missile|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1730828|access-date=28 June 2021|work=pib.gov.in|agency=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Ministry of Defence, Government of India|date=28 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="ht1test">{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2021-06-28|title=India successfully test-fires Agni P, a new missile in Agni series|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-agni-p-a-new-missile-in-agni-series-101624863307818.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name="rout1test">{{Cite web|last=Rout|first=Hemant Kumar|date=2021-06-28|title=India test fires new generation nuclear capable Agni-Prime missile off Odisha coast|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jun/28/india-test-fires-new-generation-nuclear-capable-agni-prime-missile-off-odisha-coast-2322550.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-28|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

According to analysts, Agni-P is primarily aimed at countering [[Pakistan|Pakistan's]] forces owing to the fact that its range is insufficient to reach all parts of mainland [[China]].<ref>{{cite web |title=India Tests New Agni Missile |url=https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2021-09/news-briefs/india-tests-new-agni-missile |website=Arms Control Association |access-date=18 December 2021}}</ref>

Although there were many speculations that Agni-P will replace [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-I]], [[Agni I|Agni-I]] and [[Agni II|Agni-II]] after induction, government sources denied any such theory. It is expected that DRDO might develop a "[[carrier killer]]" based on this missile.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://idrw.org/china-takes-notice-of-indias-test-of-carrier-killer-agni-p-ballistic-missile/#more-259388|title=China takes notice of India's test of carrier killer Agni-P ballistic missile|website=Indian Defence Review Wing|access-date=2021-07-03}}</ref>

One of the objectives behind its development is to achieve maximum manoeuvrability against [[missile defense]] system and higher accuracy for precision strike.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-06-30|title=Agni Prime is the new missile in India's nuclear arsenal. This is why it's special|url=https://theprint.in/defence/agni-prime-is-the-new-missile-in-indias-nuclear-arsenal-this-is-why-its-special/687271/|access-date =2021-07-01|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>

== More about Agni P ==

* Agni Prime<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agni|first=Prime|date=2021-12-19|title=Agni Prime|url=https://alljobs.co.in/currentaffairs/agni-p-agni-prime/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-05|website=Current Affairs|language=en-US}}</ref> is also known as Agni-P.
* Agni-P is new generation advanced variant of the Agni Class of Missiles
* It is a two stage canisterised missile
* It’s range capability is between 1000 and 2000 km
* It's the first MIRV missile in India's missile arsenal.
* The weight of Agni P is 50% less than Agni 3
* Agni-Prime can be launched from rail and road and can be stored for a longer period.
* It can be transported all across the country as per operational requirements.
* It can be used to target enemy armades in the Indo- Pacific.

== Reactions to testing ==

=== Domestic ===
Indian defence experts view it as part of work in progress towards an advance [[anti-ship ballistic missile]] (ASBM) development for enhancing future [[sea denial]] capability against Chinese carrier battle groups in the [[Indian Ocean]] Region (IOR).<ref name=":0" />

===Other states===
*{{flagu|People's Republic of China}} – As per former [[People's Liberation Army]] (PLA) instructor Song Zhongping, Agni-P will need more testing to prove its anti-ship role like that of [[DF-21|DF-21D]] or [[DF-26|DF-26B]] which had already proven their capabilities in 2020 military exercise by destroying a target at [[South China Sea]]. But at present Agni-P does increase the accuracy, quick reaction time and precision strike capability of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] against tactical targets in [[China]] and [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Zhen |title=India's latest Agni-P missile no great threat to China: experts |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3139421/indias-latest-agni-p-missile-no-great-threat-china-experts |access-date=1 July 2021 |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
*{{flagu|United States}} – As per Frank Stanton Professor Vipin Narang of Nuclear Security and Political Science at [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT) who is also a scholar at [[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] (CEIP) Nuclear Policy Program, Agni-P is a weapon of [[counterforce]] doctrine as far as India's [[nuclear strategy]] is concerned due to recent debates over [[no first use]] (NFU) policy since 2016 under defence minister [[Manohar Parrikar]].<ref name=":1" />

==See also==
*[[Agni-I]]
*[[Agni (missile)|Agni]]
*[[List of missiles]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-successfully-tests-new-generation-nuclear-capable-missile-agni-p/article35013208.ece DRDO successfully tests new generation nuclear capable missile Agni-P-The Hindu]
*[https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/agni-p-india-successfully-test-fires-agni-series-new-generation-nuclear-missile-1820269-2021-06-28Agni P: India successfully test-fires Agni series' new generation nuclear missile-India Today]
*[https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-latest-agni-p-ballistic-missile-sparks-a-fierce-debate-between-chinese-indian-experts/India’s Latest Agni-P Ballistic Missile Sparks A Fierce Debate Between Chinese & Indian Experts]
*[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1730828 PIB India]
*[https://theprint.in/defence/agni-prime-is-the-new-missile-in-indias-nuclear-arsenal-this-is-why-its-special/687271/ Agni Prime is the new missile in India’s nuclear arsenal. This is why it’s special -The Print]

{{Indian missiles}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

[[Category:Ballistic missiles of India]]
[[Category:Intermediate-range ballistic missiles]]
[[Category:Nuclear missiles of India]]

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