Agni-3

Why in News?

Recently, Agni-3 was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

• It is an indigenously developed nuclear-capable Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
• Developed By – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Type – A surface-to-surface missile mounted on a mobile launcher.
• Role – This strategic missile is a key part of India’s nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability.
• It was inducted into the armed forces and has been in service with SFC since 2011.
• Strike Range – 3,000–3,500 km with high accuracy and real-time trajectory tracking.
• Flight Profile – Follows a designated flight path and accurately hits the pre-decided target area.
• Propulsion System – Two-stage solid-propelled system.
• Guidance system – Agni-3 uses a strapdown inertial navigation system (INS) supported by GPS, which helps the missile accurately reach its target.
• Characteristics – It is a nuclear delivery system, with an estimated warhead yield of 200–300 kilotons.
• Length – 17 metres.
• Diameter – 2 metres.
• Accuracy – About 40 metres Circular Error Probable (CEP).
• Mass – 11,000 kg, lighter than all earlier Agni series missiles.
• Payload capacity – 1.5 tonnes with road and rail mobile launch capability.
• Agni series - Short & Medium Range (Agni-I, II & Prime)
• Agni-I - Range 700–1,200 km) and Agni-II (2,000 km) are solid-fuel, mobile missiles designed for regional stability.
• Agni-Prime- Range 1,000–2,000 km features Encapsulated storage and advanced navigation to target mobile threats, including naval vessels.
• Intermediate Capabilities (Agni-III) - Moving into deeper strike roles, offer high precision.
• Future Variants –
  • Agni-4 - range ~4,000 km, specifically utilizes 5th-generation avionics and Ring Laser Gyros to achieve sub-100-meter accuracy.
  • Agni-5 - range ~5,000 km is a three-stage ICBM with a 5,500 km range, ensuring "fire-and-forget" capability across continents.

References

1. PIB | Agni-3
2. ToI | Agni-3
3. TH| Agni-3