Agni (missile)

2022-01-19T13:25:12Z

2601:243:802:3747:B034:4FC1:B904:8F45: Undid revision 1066628093 by 1.38.140.19 (talk)

{{Short description|Indian ballistic missile}}
{{redirect|AGNI|the magazine|AGNI (magazine)||Agni (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missille = yes
| name = ''[[Agni-I|Agni—I]]—[[Agni-P|P]]—[[Agni-II|II]]—[[Agni-III|III]]—[[Agni-IV|IV]]—[[Agni-V|V]]—[[Agni VI|VI]]''
| image = Agni-V during its first test flight.jpg
| caption = Agni-V [[ICBM]]
| origin = India
| type = Medium-range ballistic missile (Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni Prime) Intermediate-range ballistic missile (Agni-III, Agni-IV) Intercontinental ballistic missile (Agni-V, Agni VI)
| used_by = India
| designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics|Bharat Dynamics Limited]]
| unit_cost =
| production_date =
| service = Active
| propellant = [[Solid fuel]]
| engine = [[Composite material|Composite]] [[rocket motor]]
| weight = 12,000 kg (Agni-I)<ref name=express715859/> 16,000 kg (Agni-II) 48,000 kg (Agni III) 17,000 kg (Agni-IV)<ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2629274.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=T.S. | last=Subramanian | title=Agni-IV test-flight a 'stupendous success' | date=15 November 2011 | access-date=15 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116171234/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2629274.ece | archive-date=16 November 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> 49,000 kg (Agni-V)<ref name=toi28376198>{{cite news|title=DRDO plans to test 10 missiles this year|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-27/bhubaneswar/28376198_1_agni-ii-km-range-agni-iii|access-date=19 October 2011|date=27 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501085437/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-27/bhubaneswar/28376198_1_agni-ii-km-range-agni-iii|archive-date=1 May 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> 55,000 kg (Agni VI)<ref name=IBN1/>
| length = 15 m (Agni-I)<ref name=express715859/> 21 m (Agni-II)<ref name=hindu20100518>{{cite news|last=Mallikarjun|first=Y.|title=Agni-II missile test-fired successfully|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/18/stories/2010051855891600.htm|access-date=20 October 2011|date=18 May 2010|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107113558/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/18/stories/2010051855891600.htm|archive-date=7 November 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> 17 m (Agni-III)<ref name=deccanherald51332>{{cite news|title=Nuclear-capable Agni-III missile test-fired|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/51332/india-tests-long-range-nuclear.html|access-date=19 October 2011|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=7 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217225330/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/51332/india-tests-long-range-nuclear.html|archive-date=17 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> 20 m (Agni-IV)<ref name="thehindu.com"/> 17.5 m (Agni-V)<ref name=toi28376198/>
| diameter = 1.0 m (Agni-I, Agni-II) 2.0 m (Agni-III, Agni V) 1.1 m (Agni VI)<ref name=IBN1/>
| wingspan =
| speed = 24 Mach (Agni 5)
| vehicle_range = 700–1,200 km (Agni-I)<ref name=express715859/><ref name="toi-19oct11">{{cite news|title=India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-I missile|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-25/india/28262189_1_wheeler-s-island-nuclear-capable-agni|access-date=19 October 2011|date=25 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104013732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-25/india/28262189_1_wheeler-s-island-nuclear-capable-agni|archive-date=4 November 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1,000–2,000 km (Agni Prime)<ref name="indiatvnews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/agni-prime-nuclear-capable-missile-successfully-test-fired-off-odisha-coast-715204|title=Agni-Prime: Nuclear capable missile successfully test-fired off Odisha coast|date=28 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-28}}</ref> 2,000–3,500 km (Agni-II)<ref name=hindu20100518 /> 3,000–5,000 km (Agni-III)<ref name="Missile Threat"/> 3,500–4,000 km (Agni-IV) 5,000–8,000 km (Agni-V)<ref name=TOI30409335>{{cite news|title=Eyeing China, India to enter ICBM club in 3 months|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-17/india/30409335_1_agni-v-agni-iv-agni-programme-director|access-date=23 February 2012|date=17 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419150207/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-17/india/30409335_1_agni-v-agni-iv-agni-programme-director|archive-date=19 April 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 11,000–12,000 km (Agni VI)<ref name=IBN1/>
| ceiling =
| altitude = 300 km (Agni-I)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2004/07/05/india-successfully-test-fired-agni-i |title=India successfully test-fired Agni-I |newspaper=Asian Tribune |access-date=2011-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531123718/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2004/07/05/india-successfully-test-fired-agni-i |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}</ref> 230 km (Agni-II),<ref name="hindu20100518"/><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2011/09/30/awx_09_30_2011_p0-376915.xml&headline=India%20Tests%20Agni-II%20Missile |title=India Tests Agni-II Missile |magazine=Aviation Week |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=2011-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016234843/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news%2Fawx%2F2011%2F09%2F30%2Fawx_09_30_2011_p0-376915.xml&headline=India%20Tests%20Agni-II%20Missile |archive-date=16 October 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> 350 km (Agni-III)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article102369.ece |title=News / National: Agni-III launch a complete success |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 February 2010 |access-date=2011-10-20 |location=Chennai, India |first1=T. S. |last1=Subramanian |first2=Y. |last2=Mallikarjun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725032019/http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article102369.ece?homepage=true |archive-date=25 July 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| filling = Conventional [[high explosive]]-unitary, penetration, [[cluster munition]]s, [[incendiary weapon]], [[thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]
| guidance = '''Mid-course:''' [[Ring laser gyroscope|Ring laser gyro]] [[inertial navigation system]] with [[GPS]]/[[NavIC]] [[satellite guidance]] '''Terminal:''' Imaging [[infrared homing]], radar scene correlation, [[active radar homing]]
| detonation =
| launch_platform = Road/Rail mobile<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/country/india/|title=Missiles of India|website=Missile Threat|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref>
}}

The '''Agni missile''' (अग्नि [[IAST]]: [[Agni]] ''"Fire"'') is a family of [[Medium-range ballistic missile|medium]] to [[intercontinental ballistic missile|intercontinental]] range ballistic missiles developed by India, named after one of the [[Mahabhuta|five elements]] of nature. Agni missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable, surface to surface ballistic missiles. The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Program]] (IGMDP) and tested in 1989. After its success, Agni missile program was separated from the IGMDP upon realizing its strategic importance. It was designated as a special program in India's defence budget and provided adequate funds for subsequent development. {{as of|2019|November}}, the missiles in the Agni series are being inducted into service.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/confident-of-doubling-range-of-the-astra-will-be-the-most-lethal-air-to-air-missile-drdo-chief/articleshow/72120351.cms|title=Confident of doubling range of the Astra, will be the most lethal air to air missile: DRDO Chief|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2019-11-19|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-11-19}}</ref> The family comprises the following:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Agni-Indias-fire-power/5787/1/15.html |title=Agni: India's fire power |publisher=Brahmand.com |access-date=2011-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020140012/http://brahmand.com/news/Agni-Indias-fire-power/5787/1/15.html |archive-date=20 October 2011}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Type !! Range
|-
| [[Agni-I]] || [[MRBM]] || 700–1,200 km<ref name=express715859/><ref name="toi-19oct11"/> (Operational)
|-
| [[Agni-P]] || [[MRBM]] || 1,000-2,000 km (Under development)<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 28, 2021|title=Agni Prime Missile: India successfully test-fires new generation of nuke missile|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-test-fires-new-generation-agni-p-ballistic-missile/articleshow/83914848.cms|access-date=2021-06-28|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Agni-II]] ||[[MRBM]]
| 2,000–3,500 km<ref>{{cite web |url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-2/ |title=Agni-2 |publisher=CSIS Missile Threat |access-date=2012-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111061155/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-2/ |archive-date=11 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> (Operational)
|-
| [[Agni-III]] || [[IRBM]] || 3,000–5,000 km<ref name="Missile Threat">{{cite news|title=Agni-3|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-3/|access-date=23 February 2012|newspaper=Missile Threat|date=19 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104211645/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-3/|archive-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> (Operational)
|-
| [[Agni-IV]] || [[IRBM]] || 3,500–4,000  km<ref>{{cite news|title=India successfully tests nuclear capable Agni IV missile|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/india-successfully-tests-nuclear-capable-agni-iv-missile/article6656285.ece|access-date=1 February 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121044007/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/india-successfully-tests-nuclear-capable-agni-iv-missile/article6656285.ece|archive-date=21 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>(Operational)
|-
| [[Agni-V]] || [[ICBM]] || 5,000–8,000 km<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article1571261.ece?homepage=true |title=India developing 5,000 km-range Agni missile |newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=2011-03-26 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403045319/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article1571261.ece?homepage=true |archive-date=3 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Missile Threat agni">{{cite news|title=Missiles of the World: Agni 4/5|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-4/|access-date=23 February 2012|newspaper=Missile Threat|date=19 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111061620/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-4/|archive-date=11 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="THapace">{{cite news |author=T. S. Subramanian |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2288105.ece |title=Preparations apace for Agni V launch |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 July 2011 |access-date=2011-07-24 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909044710/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2288105.ece |archive-date=9 September 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> (Operational)
|-
| [[Agni-VI]] || [[ICBM]] || 11,000–12,000 km<ref name=IBN1>{{cite news|title=Agni-VI with 10000 km range to be ready by 2014|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/agnivi-with-10000-km-range-to-be-ready-by-2014/260699-3.html|access-date=17 July 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626130842/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/agnivi-with-10000-km-range-to-be-ready-by-2014/260699-3.html|archive-date=26 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="dailypioneer.com"/><ref name="NEWSLETTER">{{cite web|title=Original Copy of the DRDO Newsletter on May 2011|url=http://www.picvalley.net/v.php?p=u/2074/17853679775285552951329904587pJaDA6XeFXdhs3cE2F9M.JPG|access-date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073103/http://www.picvalley.net/v.php?p=u%2F2074%2F17853679775285552951329904587pJaDA6XeFXdhs3cE2F9M.JPG|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> (Under development)
|-

|}

== Agni-I ==
{{main|Agni-I}}
[[File:Agni-I missile launched on 1 December 2011.jpg|left|thumb|222x222px|[[Agni-I]] ]]
The two-stage [[Agni]] technology demonstrator, with a solid-fuel first stage, was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989. It was capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. This original technology demonstrator evolved into the solid-fuel Agni-1 and Agni-2 missiles. India first developed the two-stage 2000  km range Agni-2, testing it in 1999. It then used the first stage of this system to develop the 700  km range single-stage Agni-1, which was first tested in January 2002.

Weighing 12 tonne with a length of 15 metres, Agni-1 has a range of 700–900 km<ref name="toi-19oct11"/> and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of {{convert|1000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} or a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]] warhead<ref name=express715859>{{cite news|title=India successfully test-fires Agni I ballistic missile|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-successfully-testfires-agni-i-ballist/715859/|access-date=19 October 2011|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=25 November 2010}}</ref> at a speed of 2.5 km/s.<ref name=toi28376198/> Agni missiles consist of one (short range) or two [[multistage rocket|stages]] (intermediate range). These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid [[rocket fuel|propellant]]s. Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=express715859/> The latest missile test occurred on 13 July 2012, when India test fired Agni I successfully at Wheeler Island off Orissa coast.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-13/india/32662503_1_agni-i-missile-single-stage-missile-wheeler-island | title=India tests nuclear-capable Agni-I missile | date=13 July 2012 | access-date=30 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214154705/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-13/india/32662503_1_agni-i-missile-single-stage-missile-wheeler-island | archive-date=14 December 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 11 April 2014 the [[missile]] was test fired for the first time in a night trial exercise to its full range of 700 km from the [[Wheeler Island, India|Wheeler island]] off the [[Odisha]] coast. The missile randomly picked from production line was test fired by the [[Strategic Forces Command]] after 11 pm. This test was first night after 2 previous test failed due to technical glitches.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agni1-clears-night-trial/article5902251.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Y. | last=Mallikarjun | title=Agni-1 clears night trial | date=11 April 2014 | access-date=17 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011432/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agni1-clears-night-trial/article5902251.ece | archive-date=19 April 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> The missile was test fired from a mobile launcher with logistics support from [[DRDO]] at the Integrated Test Range as part of the regular training exercise by the armed forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theindianrepublic.com/nation/india-successfully-conducts-maiden-night-test-agni-missile-100032236.html|title=Successful test of Agni|access-date=30 November 2015|publisher=theindianrepublic.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419013457/http://www.theindianrepublic.com/nation/india-successfully-conducts-maiden-night-test-agni-missile-100032236.html|archive-date=19 April 2014}}</ref>

With a special weapons load{{specify|date=October 2017}} Agni-I can reach 1200 km. As compared to Agni-II, Agni-I is less costly, simple, accurate and more mobile.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/ballistic/agni-i.html |title=Agni missile |access-date=30 November 2015 |publisher=bharat-rakhsak.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014055123/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/ballistic/agni-i.html |archive-date=14 October 2011 }}</ref>

== Agni-II ==
{{main|Agni-II}}

[[File:Agni-II missile (Republic Day Parade 2004).jpeg|thumb|250px|[[Agni-II]] |alt=|left]]
Agni-II with a range of 2,000–2,500 km is 20 metres long, has a diameter of one metre, and weighs around 18 tonnes. Agni – II uses solid propellant in both of its two stages.<ref name=hindu2636571>{{cite news|title=New kid on the nuclear block|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article2636571.ece|access-date=4 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 November 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120234351/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article2636571.ece|archive-date=20 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They are claimed to be a part of the "credible [[Deterrence theory|deterrence]]" against China and Pakistan. India stated that its nuclear and missile development programmes are not Pakistan-centric, that the Pakistani threat is only a marginal factor in New Delhi's security calculus, and that Agni is at the heart of deterrence in the larger context of Sino-Indian equation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/fe0499/f2304991.html |title=Feature |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=2011-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306104907/http://pib.nic.in/feature/fe0499/f2304991.html |archive-date=6 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2000 km range nuclear weapon capable missile, already inducted into country's arsenal, was successfully launched as a training exercise by the Strategic Forces Command on 9 August 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-09/india/33118178_1_agni-ii-wheelers-island-agni-series |title= India successfully test-fires nuclear capable Agni-II missile |date= 9 August 2012 |access-date= 30 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130519033222/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-09/india/33118178_1_agni-ii-wheelers-island-agni-series |archive-date= 19 May 2013 |work= [[The Times of India]] |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3738930.ece |title=Preparations on for Agni-II launch tomorrow |date=8 August 2012 |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |first=T. S. |last=Subramanian |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809234722/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3738930.ece |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> India on 7 April 2013 conducted its latest test of its nuclear capable Agni-II strategic ballistic missile from a missile testing range in Odisha. The test was conducted from [[Abdul Kalam Island]] (formerly known as Wheeler Island) in [[Bhadrak district]], by army personnel as part of a training exercise.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-07/india/38345352_1_army-personnel-training-exercise-medium-range-surface-to-surface-missile |title= India test-fires nuclear capable Agni-II missile |date= 7 April 2013 |access-date= 30 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130412041238/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-07/india/38345352_1_army-personnel-training-exercise-medium-range-surface-to-surface-missile |archive-date= 12 April 2013 |work= [[The Times of India]] |url-status= dead }}</ref> India successfully conducted the first night trial of nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-II from the Abdul Kalam Island of the Odisha coast at 16 Nov 2019. The 20-metre-long, two-stage ballistic missile has a strike range of 2,000 km To 3000 km. It has a launch weight of 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.<ref>{{cite news |title=India conducts first night trial of Agni-II missile|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-conducts-first-night-trial-of-agni-ii-missile-1619704-2019-11-16 |access-date=16 November 2019 |publisher=Agni II tested 2000 KM to Strict Range 3000 KM |ref=India conducts first night trial of Agni-II missile}}</ref>

== Agni-III ==
{{main|Agni-III}}
[[File:Agni-III ballistic missile.jpg|thumb|[[Agni-III]]]]
Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of [[missile]]s. Agni III uses solid propellant in both stages.<ref name="hindu2636571"/> Agni-III was first tested on 9 July 2006 from [[Wheeler Island (India)|Wheeler Island]] off the coast of the eastern state of [[Orissa, India|Odisha]]. After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket did not separate and the missile had fallen well short of its target. Agni-III was again tested on 12 April 2007, this time successfully, again from Wheeler Island. On 7 May 2008 India again successfully test-fired this missile. This was the third consecutive test; it validated the missile's operational readiness while extending the reach of India's nuclear deterrent to the most high-value targets of the nation's most likely adversaries. Agni-III has a range of 3,500  km,<ref name=deccanherald51332 /> and can take a warhead of 1.5 tonnes.<ref name="pressGovIndia" />

It has been reported that the missile's [[circular error probable]] (CEP) lies in the range of 40 meters, This would make Agni-III<ref>{{cite web|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-3/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104211645/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-3/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-11-04 |title=Agni-2 |publisher=CSIS Missile Threat |access-date=2010-08-31}}</ref> the most accurate strategic ballistic missile of its range class in the world.<ref name="pressGovIndia">{{cite web | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=26817 | title = AGNI-III launched successfully | access-date = 2007-12-13 | date = 12 April 2007 | publisher = Press Information Bureau, Government of India | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071202110426/http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page1.asp?relid=26817| archive-date= 2 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> This is of special significance because a highly accurate ballistic missile increases the "kill efficiency" of the weapon; it allows Indian weapons designers to use smaller yield nuclear warheads (200 kiloton thermonuclear or boosted fission) while increasing the lethality of the strike. This permits India to deploy a much larger nuclear force using less fissile/fusion material (plutonium/lithium deuteride) than other nuclear powers. Older ballistic missiles, such as those deployed by earlier nuclear powers required larger yield (1–2 megaton) warheads to achieve the same level of lethality. It has also been reported that with smaller payloads, the Agni-III can hit strategic targets well beyond 3,500  km.

== Agni-IV ==
{{main|Agni-IV}}
[[File:Agni-IV missile test on 15 November 2011.jpg|left|thumb|240x240px|[[Agni-IV]] ]]
Agni-IV is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as ''Agni II prime''.<ref name="hindu4">{{cite news|title=Agni – IV successfully test fired|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2629274.ece|access-date=15 November 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|date=15 November 2011|location=Chennai, India|first=T.S.|last=Subramanian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116171234/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2629274.ece|archive-date=16 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Agni-IV was first tested on 15 November 2011 and 19 September 2012 from Wheeler Island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa for its full range of 4,000 km. The missile lifted off from a road mobile launcher at 11.48 a.m. and after climbing to an altitude of over 800 km, it re-entered the atmosphere and impacted near the pre-designated target in the Indian Ocean with remarkable degree of accuracy following a 20-minute flight. Carrying a payload of explosives weighing a tonne, the missile re-entered the atmosphere and withstood searing temperatures of more than 3,000 °C. With a range of 3,000–4,000 km,<ref name=toiagni4>{{cite news|title=India tests long-range nuclear-capable 'Agni-IV' missile|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-tests-long-range-nuclear-capable-Agni-IV-missile/articleshow/10737442.cms|access-date=15 November 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|date=15 November 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718042210/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-tests-long-range-nuclear-capable-Agni-IV-missile/articleshow/10737442.cms|archive-date=18 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article3914340.ece |title=Sci-Tech / Science : Long range strategic missile Agni-IV test-fired |newspaper=The Hindu |date=19 September 2012 |access-date=2012-12-03 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122045954/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article3914340.ece |archive-date=22 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Agni-IV bridges the gap between Agni II and Agni III. It was again successfully test fired on 20 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-testfires-4000-kmrange-nuclear-capable-agni4-missile/446570-3-234.html|publisher=IBN|title=Agni test fired|access-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165506/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-testfires-4000-kmrange-nuclear-capable-agni4-missile/446570-3-234.html|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Agni IV can take a warhead of 1 tonne. It is designed to increase the kill efficiency along with a higher range performance. Agni IV is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, that includes indigenously developed ring laser gyro and composite rocket motor. It is a two-stage missile powered by solid propellant. Its length is 20 meters and launch weight 17 tonnes.<ref name=hindu4/> It can be fired from a road mobile launcher.<ref name=hindu4/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/bhubaneshwar/India-test-fires-nuclear-capable-Agni-IV-missile/Article1-769286.aspx |title=India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-IV missile |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=2011-11-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116001820/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/bhubaneshwar/India-test-fires-nuclear-capable-Agni-IV-missile/Article1-769286.aspx |archive-date=16 November 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/india-tests-nuclear-capable-surface-to-surface-agni-iv-missile/articleshow/10737019.cms|title=India tests nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-IV missile|work=The Times of India|date=15 November 2011|access-date=15 November 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707193531/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/india-tests-nuclear-capable-surface-to-surface-agni-iv-missile/articleshow/10737019.cms|archive-date=7 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Agni-V ==
{{main|Agni-V}}
[[File:Agni-V flight test on 3 July 2018 (3).jpg|thumb|238x238px|[[Agni-V]] ]]
'''Agni-V''' is a solid fueled [[intercontinental ballistic missile]] (ICBM) developed by [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) of India. It will greatly expand India's reach to strike targets more than 5,500 km away. Agni-V was first test fired on 19 April 2012 at 08:07 am [[Indian standard time|IST]] from [[Wheeler Island, India|Wheeler Island]] off the coast of Orissa, the test was successful.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/agni-v-india-s-first-icbm-expected-to-be-test-fired-shortly-199325 |title=Agni-V, India's first ICBM, successfully test-fired |publisher=NDTV.com |date=19 April 2012 |access-date=2012-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623165934/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/agni-v-india-s-first-icbm-expected-to-be-test-fired-shortly-199325 |archive-date=23 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/china-to-europe-agniv-expands-indias-reach/249977-3.html|title=Agni-V test-fired successfully|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com|access-date=2012-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422050802/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/china-to-europe-agniv-expands-indias-reach/249977-3.html|archive-date=22 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Agni-V]] [[ICBM]] has been designed with the addition of a third composite stage to the two-stage Agni-III missile.<ref name=toi28376198 /> To reduce the weight it is built with high composite content. The 17.5-metre-long Agni-V would be a canister launch missile system so as to ensure that it has the requisite operational flexibility and can be swiftly transported and fired from anywhere.<ref name=toi28376198 /> Agni-V weighs around 49 tonnes; one tonne more than Agni III and a much longer range.<ref name=toi28376198/> The second test launch of Agni-V was successfully done on 15 September 2013 at 08:43 am IST from Wheeler Island.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Agni-V-now-ready-for-induction-into-the-Army/2013/09/15/article1785989.ece |title=Agni-V now ready for induction into the Army |newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=2013-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112041247/http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Agni-V-now-ready-for-induction-into-the-Army/2013/09/15/article1785989.ece |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2015, the canisterized version was successfully tested from Wheeler Island.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Agni 5, India's Longest Range Ballistic Missile, Successfully Test-Fired |date=31 January 2015 |newspaper=The Arunachal Times |url=http://www.arunachaltimes.in/national.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Vzv2ax5G?url=http://www.arunachaltimes.in/national.html |archive-date=31 January 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Agni-P ==
{{Main|Agni-P}}
[[File:Agni P Ballistic Missile first fligh test.jpg|thumb|left|First flight test of Agni-1P from Abdul Kalam Island.|235x235px]]
It is a medium-range ballistic missile under development that incorporates technological advances from Agni-IV and Agni-V projects. Although it looks similar to Agni-III the weight is reduced by half. Agni-P will replace the older generation missile such as [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi]], Agni-I and Agni-II.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2021-06-28|title=Pakistan-aimed Agni-P ballistic missile flight-tested successfully|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/pakistan-aimed-agni-p-ballistic-missile-flight-tested-successfully-121062801469_1.html|access-date=2021-06-29}}</ref>

== Agni-VI ==
{{main|Agni-VI}}

Agni-VI is an intercontinental ballistic missile reported to be in the early stages of development by India and is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is to be the latest and most advanced version among the Agni missile program. It will be capable of being launched from submarines as well as from land, and will have a strike-range of 8,000–10,000 km with MIRVed warheads.<ref name=IBN1/><ref name="dailypioneer.com">{{cite news|title=India to Join ICBM League soon|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/47621-with-russian-help-india-to-join-icbm-big-league-soon.html|newspaper=Daily Pioneer|date=8 October 2011|access-date=23 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426233305/http://dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/47621-with-russian-help-india-to-join-icbm-big-league-soon.html|archive-date=26 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NEWSLETTER"/>

== Further developments ==
[[File:Agni missile range.svg|thumb|right|250px|Agni missile range]]
In May 2008 Indian scientists announced they had developed and patented a path-breaking technology that increases the range of missiles and satellite launch vehicles by at least 40%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.domainb.com/aero/space/launch_veh/20080514_technology.html |title=Indigenous technology to increase range of Indian missiles by a third |publisher=domain-b.com |date=14 May 2008 |access-date=2010-08-31| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100906052415/http://www.domainb.com/aero/space/launch_veh/20080514_technology.html| archive-date= 6 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> The enhanced range is made possible by adding a special-purpose coating of chromium-based material to a rocket's blunt nose cone. The material acts as a reactive-ablative coating that forms a thin low density gaseous layer at the tip of the rocket as it approaches hypersonic speeds; this super-heated gas layer reduces drag by 47% (at mach 7–8), thereby allowing range enhancements at least 40%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.domainb.com/aero/mil_avi/miss_muni/20080910_Indian_technology.html |title=Indian-developed technology to boost range of missiles and protect re-entry vehicles |publisher=domain-b.com |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=2010-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109073446/http://www.domainb.com/aero/mil_avi/miss_muni/20080910_Indian_technology.html |archive-date=9 January 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ET_Cetera/New_tech_to_boost_missile_range_by_40/articleshow/3464620.cms |title=New tech to boost missile range by 40% |work=The Economic Times |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=2010-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913025321/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ET_Cetera/New_tech_to_boost_missile_range_by_40/articleshow/3464620.cms |archive-date=13 September 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has been announced that this technology will be incorporated in future Agni deployments after having undergone ranging and calibration tests.

== Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Missile !! Project !! Type !! Warhead !! style="width:120px;"| Payload (kg) !!width=100| Range (km) !! Dimension (m) !! Fuel/Stages !! Weight (kg) !! In service !! CEP (m)
|-
| [[Agni-I]] || [[IGMDP]] || Strategic || Conventional [[high explosive]]-unitary, penetration, [[cluster munition]], [[Incendiary device|incendiary]], [[thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 1,000 || 700–1200<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/country/india/|title=Missiles of India|website=Missile Threat|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-30}}</ref>|| 15X1 || Single stage solid || 22,000 || 2009 || 25<ref>{{cite web |url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-1/ |title=Agni-1 | Missile Threat |publisher=CSIS Missile Threat |access-date=2012-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111062309/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-1/ |archive-date=11 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Agni-II]] || [[IGMDP]] || Strategic || Conventional [[high explosive]]-unitary, penetration, [[Submunitions|sub-munitions]], [[Incendiary device|incendiary]], [[thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 820–2,000 || 2,000–3,500 || 20X1 || Two and half stage solid<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agniii-ballistic-missile-succesfully-testfired/article6580146.ece|title=Agni successfully test fired|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=2 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126184815/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agniii-ballistic-missile-succesfully-testfired/article6580146.ece|archive-date=26 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>|| 26,000 || 2006 || 30-40
|-
| [[Agni-III]] || [[IGMDP]] || Strategic || Conventional, [[Thermobaric weapon|thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 2,500 || 3,000–5,000 || 17X2 || Two stage solid || 44,000 || 2011 || 40
|-
| [[Agni-IV]] || Agni-IV || Strategic || Conventional, [[Thermobaric weapon|thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 800–1,000 || 3,500–4,000 || 20X1 || Two stage solid || 17,000 || 2014 || 10
|-
| [[Agni-V]] || Agni-V || Strategic ||[[Strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 1,500 || 5,000–8,000 (Speculated) || 17X2 || Three Stage solid || 50,000 || 2019 || >10 - <80<ref name=thin2oct13>{{cite news|title=Agni-V vital: Tessy Thomas|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/agniv-vital-tessy-thomas/article5191824.ece|access-date=23 October 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024094631/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/agniv-vital-tessy-thomas/article5191824.ece|archive-date=24 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Agni-P]] || Agni-1 Prime || Strategic || Conventional, [[Thermobaric weapon|thermobaric]], [[strategic nuclear weapon]]|| Unknown || 1,000–2,000<ref name="indiatvnews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/agni-prime-nuclear-capable-missile-successfully-test-fired-off-odisha-coast-715204|title=Agni-Prime: Nuclear capable missile successfully test-fired off Odisha coast|date=28 June 2021|access-date=2021-06-28}}</ref> || Unknown || Two stage solid || Unknown || In trial || 10
|-
| [[Agni-VI]] || Agni-VI || Strategic ||[[Strategic nuclear weapon]]|| 3,000 (10 MIRV) ||11,000-12,000<ref name=IBN2>{{cite news|title=Agni-VI with 10000 km range to be ready by 2014|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/agnivi-with-10000-km-range-to-be-ready-by-2014/260699-3.html|publisher=CNN-IBN|access-date=16 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009015030/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/agnivi-with-10000-km-range-to-be-ready-by-2014/260699-3.html|archive-date=9 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>|| 40X1.1<ref name=IBN1/> || Four Stage solid || 55,000<ref name=IBN1/> || Under development ||
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Nuclear technology}}
{{Aircontent
|see also=
* [[K Missile family|K missiles]]
* [[India and weapons of mass destruction]]
* [[List of states with nuclear weapons]]
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Agni missiles}}

* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-1/ CSIS Missile Threat - Agni 1]
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-2/ CSIS Missile Threat - Agni 2]
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-3/ CSIS Missile Threat - Agni 3]
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-4/ CSIS Missile Threat - Agni 4]
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/agni-5/ CSIS Missile Threat - Agni 5]

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

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

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Agni (missile)