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Agni-P

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Further information: Agni (missile) and Agni-I

Agni-Prime
The Agni-P, photographed during its first test launch in 2021.
TypeMedium-range ballistic missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In servicePre-induction Trials
Used byStrategic Forces Command
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
Specifications
Mass11,000 kg (24,000 lb)
Length10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
Diameter1.15 m (3 ft 9 in)
Warhead1x MaRV
(or)
2x MIRV[1][2] (high explosive, thermobaric and nuclear)
Warhead weight1,500 kg (3,300 lb) – 3,000 kg (6,600 lb)
EngineTwo stage rocket motor with third stage MaRV[3][2]
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
1,000–2,000 kilometres (620–1,240 mi)[4]
Guidance
system
Ring laser gyro inertial navigation system with redundant micro inertial navigation and digital control system. Optionally augmented by GPS/NavIC satellite guidance.[5]
Accuracy<10 m CEP[6]
Launch
platform
Mobile rail-launcher
Transporter erector launcher[4]

Agni-Prime or Agni-P (Sanskrit: अग्नि; IAST: Agni; lit. Fire) is a two-stage, surface to surface, canister-launched, road mobile and solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile being developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as the sixth missile in the Agni series.[7] It is intended to be deployed in the operational service of the Strategic Forces Command, and to feature significant upgrades to the composite motor casing, a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) along with improved propellants, navigation and guidance systems.[8]

History

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In 2016, Indian media began reporting that DRDO was developing a successor to the Agni-I called Agni-1P, which would feature two stages that borrowed the newer technologies from Agni-IV and Agni-V to increase accuracy and reliability.[9] According to a senior scientist[who?] from the DRDO's missile complex in Hyderabad:[10]

“As our ballistic missiles grew in range, our technology grew in sophistication. Now the early, short-range missiles, which incorporate older technologies, will be replaced by missiles with more advanced technologies. Call it backward integration of technology”

India started working on area denial weapons after China developed the DF-21D and DF-26B ballistic missiles with nuclear capability to counter the US Navy, as well as capable of threatening Andersen Air Force Base. As a counterbalance, the progress of Agni-P became a crucial part of India's Indo-Pacific strategy to tackle China's plan of having five or six aircraft carrier battle groups by 2035 to cover both the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.[11][12][13]

Description

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Propulsion

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Agni-P is a two-stage, solid-propellant missile. All stages uses composite propellant, where the powder oxidizer is mixed with a metal fuel along with a bind being put in place. Aluminium is used as fuel; its specific energy density gives it the capability to deliver high performance. This gives the missile, a better payload ratio and thus a larger payload that has been mounted on a missile can be lifted up with a less quantity of propellant. 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 corrosion free composite material for the purpose of weight reduction, which was mastered during Agni-V project.[14][15]

Range and Mobility

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Strike range envelope of Agni-P centered at AFS Napur, AFS Gwalior and Wheeler ITR

The missile can cover a maximum distance of 2000 km with 1.5 ton payload. According to analysts, Agni-P is primarily aimed at countering Pakistan's forces as its range is insufficient to reach all parts of mainland China. Given the missile's range, analysts at the International Institute for Strategic Studies believe that Agni-P primarily counters Pakistan and intends to replace older and less compact short-range ballistic missiles such as the Agni-I and Agni-II.[8]

The missile is stored in a hermetically sealed tandem twin canister launcher and is transported through road and rail. This process enables the warhead to be mated and stored with the missile, significantly reducing the time required for preparation and launch.[8] It uses cold launch mechanism and can be fired in salvo mode. When a cold launch of a canisterised missile is done and when it uses a solid propellant, then it would be an edge for India for conducting nuclear strikes in a shorter amount of time from any terrain.[14]

The test launches of the missile seemingly uses a canistered 12x12 axle TATRA truck, it may be for test purposes only, the compactness of the missile points to a future possibility of a smaller and more mobile launcher than the cumbersome Agni-I mobile-erector launchers (MELs) and the rail-mounted Agni-II launchers. This increased mobility could provide India with greater deployment options and the canisterisation providing added protection from external elements for prolonged periods.[16] The launch platform is expected to be canistered from an 8x8 axle TATRA BEML Transporter erector launcher.[17]

Guidance and Warhead

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Agni-P utilizes dual redundant navigation and guidance system based on an advanced ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system (INS) and a modern micro inertial navigation system (MINS), and utilizes technology previously incorporated in Agni-IV and Agni-V. The missile is optionally augmented by GPS and NaVIC satellite navigation systems.[14][17][18]

Agni-P can be mated to a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV). The warhead is reportedly equipped with four delta fins and can utilize it's terminal maneuverability to make itself more difficult for missile defense systems to intercept.[19][20] According to V. K. Saraswat, MIRV and MaRV warhead technology were already in advanced stages of development for Agni-VI in 2013.[21][22] DRDO is expected by some Indian defense sources to be planning to develop an anti-ship variant of the Agni-P missile platform.[23][24]

Deployment

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The missile will be operationalised under Strategic Forces Command (SFC) after completing the pre-induction trials. The first pre-induction night launch conducted by the SFC in June 2023 after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system. Senior officials from DRDO and Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight-test, which has paved the way for induction of the system into the Armed Forces.[25][26]

Testing

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Agni-P Launch Log
Date/Time
(IST)
 Configuration Launch Site Outcome
Operator
Payload Function
Remarks
28 JUN 2021
10:55 AM
 Canistered road mobile TEL ITR Launch Complex 4 Success
DRDO 2 x MaRV[27] First test launch
Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile. The missile followed text book trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with high level of accuracy.[28]
18 DEC 2021
11:06 AM
 Canistered road mobile TEL ITR Launch Complex 4 Success
DRDO ? x MaRV Second test launch
The missile followed text book trajectory meeting all mission objectives with high level of accuracy as per the tracking by telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations and down range ships positioned along the eastern coast. This second flight-test has proven the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies and additional features integrated into the system.[29][30]
21 OCT 2022
9:45 AM
 Canistered road mobile TEL ITR Launch Complex 4 Success
DRDO ? x MaRV Third test launch
During the test flight, the missile travelled the maximum range and all test objectives were successfully met. With this third consecutive successful flight test of the missile, the accuracy and reliability of the system has been established. Performance of system has been validated using the data obtained by a number of range instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking systems deployed at different locations including two down range ships at terminal point to cover entire trajectory.[31][14][32]
User Trial Launches
07 JUN 2023

 Canistered road mobile TEL ITR Launch Complex 4 Success
India Strategic Forces Command ? x MaRV First night trial
This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system. Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.[25][18]
03 APR 2024
07:00 PM 		Canistered road mobile TEL ITR Launch Complex 4 Success
India Strategic Forces Command ? x MaRV Second night trial
This test was the second night trail conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test met all the trial objectives validating its reliable performance, as confirmed from the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point.[33]
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  • Cold launch from TATRA TEL
    Cold launch from TATRA TEL
  • Test launch on 28 June 2021
    Test launch on 28 June 2021
  • Test launch on 18 Dec. 2021
    Test launch on 18 Dec. 2021
  • Night trial on 7 June 2023
    Night trial on 7 June 2023

Reactions to testing

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In June 2021, India tested the nuclear capable version of Agni-P successfully, followingly the post on social media platform X by Defense Minister was[34]

"Congratulations to DRDO for the maiden successful flight test of Agni P, advanced variant of Agni class of missiles. I compliment the efforts of the team behind this mission.

Many advance technologies including Composites, Propulsion Systems, innovative Guidance and Control mechanisms and state of the art navigation systems have been introduced.

The Agni P missile would further strengthen India's Credible Deterrence capabilities.”
- Defense Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh

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).[35] Till September 2022, DRDO had completed design work of another land-based 1,500 km (930 mi) range missile to attack targets across Line of Actual Control with an anti ship variant against aircraft carriers to cover Indian carriers in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (11 March 2024). "Why Mission Divyastra is significant & what it means for Indian nuclear capability". The Print. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b Hemant Kumar Rout (13 September 2021). "India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  3. ^ "India to conduct first user trial of Agni-V missile". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  4. ^ a b "India's Nuclear Doctrine: The Agni-P and the Stability–Instability Paradox". rusi.org. 8 July 2021.
  5. ^ Shukla, Ajai (28 June 2021). "Pakistan-aimed Agni-P ballistic missile flight-tested successfully". Business Standard. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  6. ^ Bedi, Rahul (28 June 2021). "India test-launches new Agni-series nuclear-capable missile". Janes. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  7. ^ "DRDO successfully test-fired the 'Agni P', new generation ballistic missile | TURDEF". turdef.com. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  8. ^ a b c "India Tests New Agni Missile | Arms Control Association". www.armscontrol.org. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  9. ^ "A brand new Agni missile Pakistan should be wary of". Rediff. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  10. ^ Shukla, Ajay. "New-age Agni to boost Pak-focused nuclear deterrent". Business Standard.
  11. ^ "Agni P spearheads India's major naval revamp to deter China". Lokmat English. 3 July 2021. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  12. ^ "China using Pakistan for military logistics facilities: US Defence report". ANI News. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  13. ^ "China seeks to set up military logistic facilities in Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Myanmar". The Economic Times. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  14. ^ a b c d capsnetdroff (12 December 2022). "Understanding the AGNI-P Missile Test by India". CAPS India. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  15. ^ "India successfully test-fires Agni P, a new missile in Agni series". Hindustan Times. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  16. ^ "India tests new Agni-P missile". IISS. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  17. ^ a b "India's New Missiles: 'Brahmastras' In The Quiver!". Chanakya Forum. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  18. ^ a b Peri, Dinakar (8 June 2023). "DRDO successfully flight-tests New Generation Ballistic Missile 'Agni Prime' off Odisha". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  19. ^ "Agni P is ready! Can counter Pakistan – Know more about it". Financialexpress. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  20. ^ "Agni Prime: Know all about latest missile in India's burgeoning arsenal". Firstpost. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  21. ^ Shukla, Ajai (8 May 2013). "Advanced Agni-6 missile with multiple warheads likely by 2017". Business Standard India. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  22. ^ Shukla, Ajai (21 April 2012). "No intention to cap missile plan". Business Standard India. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  23. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (28 June 2021). "India test fires new generation nuclear capable Agni-Prime missile off Odisha coast". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  24. ^ "Agni P (Prime): India's ASBM in the Making and its Impact on Naval Warfare". www.eletimes.com. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  25. ^ a b "'Agni Prime' ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO off Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Explained: New-gen nuclear capable Agni-Prime ballistic missile". The Times of India. 9 June 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Agni–P, Pralay and SMART Tested". www.spsnavalforces.com. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  28. ^ "DRDO successfully flight tests New Generation Agni P Ballistic Missile". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  29. ^ "New generation ballistic missile 'Agni P' successfully test-fired by DRDO". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  30. ^ "India successfully test-fires new generation Agni Prime missile off Odisha coast". Hindustan Times. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  31. ^ NEWS, ANI. "Agni-P MRBM Test". Twitter.
  32. ^ "Agni-P missile moves towards induction after user trials". Hindustan Times. 23 October 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  33. ^ "New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime successfully flight-tested by Strategic Forces Command & DRDO off the Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  34. ^ Singh, Rajnath. "Agni-P". X.
  35. ^ "Agni P (Prime): India's ASBM in the Making and its Impact on Naval Warfare". ELE Times. 29 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  36. ^ Gupta, Shishir (3 September 2022). "DRDO's conventional ballistic missile design ready, awaits signal for development". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
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