Indian scientists reasserted their command and expertise in long-range ballistic missiles with the successful test flight on Sunday of Agni-V, a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads weighing one tonne.
The sleek missile, within a few seconds of its blast-off from the island launch pad, roared majestically into a clear sunny sky leaving behind a trail of thin orange and white column of smoke, and within seconds it pierced into the sky, according to a spectator. The launch, conducted in the presence of Defence scientists, was the second developmental trial of the missile, the first test having been conducted on April 19, 2012 which was a total success.
Agni-V is about 17-metre-long and two-metre-wide with launch weight of around 50 tonnes. Unlike other missiles of the Agni series, the latest one Agni-V is the most advanced version having some new technologies incorporated in it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine.
The redundant navigation systems, very high accuracy Ring laser Gyro-based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and the most modern and accurate Micro Navigation System (MINS) ensured the missile reach the target point within a few meters of accuracy. In the Agni series, India at present has Agni-1 with a 700-km range, Agni-2 with 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500-km to more than 3,500-range. Agni-V would be inducted into the armed services after some more trials, the sources said.
The three-stage solid propellant Agni-V was test fired from a mobile launcher from the country’s Integrated Test Range in Wheeler Island off Odisha coast at 8.50 am. The Agni-V has a strike range of 5,000 km. “The test flight was a total success. Every system in the missile performed as scripted by us. It was a big success,” Dr Tessy Thomas, Project Director (Mission), who supervised the test flight, told The Pioneer.
Thomas, described as India’s Missile Queen, pointed out that this was the second successive successful test flight of Agni-V. “We had successfully tested Agni-V on April 19, 2012,” said Thomas. She said Sunday’s test flight was the second development trial of the long-range missile which has a range of 5,000 km.
“I rate this as a major achievement. India’s defence capability grows by leaps and bounds. All modified versions, navigation and guidance systems and sub-systems performed with precision and accuracy. Our confidence in the design and fabrication of Agni-V has increased manifold. This is a morale booster,” said Thomas who ‘manned’ the control room in Wheeler Island clad in a Kerala style Kasavu sari. “It was a special day for Keralites as we are celebrating Onam festival,” a beaming Thomas said. After the test flight and initial assessments, Thomas hosted a sumptuous Onam lunch for her team members.
She agreed that with Sunday’s launch India has reasserted its position as a long range missile capable nation. In layman’s language, Agni-V is capable of striking sharply a target at a distance of 5,000 km with a nuclear warhead weighing one or two tonnes. India began its tryst with Agni series when it successfully tested Agni-1 which is capable of striking targets at 700 km.
Agni-2, 3 and 4, already perfected by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists are capable of striking with precision any targets which are 3500 km away. Interestingly, Indian scientists refused to divulge whether the Agni-V qualifies to be an Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
“Our brief was to test a missile with a capability of 5000 km range. We have proved it. There ends the discussion,” said a senior Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist who did not want his name to be quoted.