India demonstrates strategic might with successful Agni-4 missile test

India on Thursday successfully test-fired nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-4 from the integrated test range in Odisha’s Chandipur, demonstrating its strategic strike capabilities.

The testing of the missile was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). “Medium Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-4’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 6,” the defence ministry said.

“The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” it said.

India has been maintaining that its strategic assets are for credible deterrence.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the SFC on the successful test-firing of the Agni-4 missile.

“I congratulate SFC and DRDO for this textbook mission launch which reaffirmed India’s commitment to defend the nation with state-of-the-art technologies,” he said on social media.

The Agni 1 to 4 missiles have ranges from 700 km to 3,500 km, and they have already been deployed.

In April 2024, India successfully carried out the maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal as part of its ambitious ballistic missile defence programme.

India has been developing capabilities to intercept hostile ballistic missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmospheric limits.

In May, New Delhi successfully test-fired an advanced Agni missile with the strategic ability to deploy multiple payloads to separate targets simultaneously -- a milestone that places the country among a select league of global powers.

The testing of the missile with the Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) system assumed significance as it can deploy multiple warheads at different locations simultaneously.

India has also developed the tactical missile Pralay, which is capable of carrying conventional warheads.

Pralay is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.