World Millitary Power

India is all set to carry out the fourth developmental trial of 4,000 km range nuclear capable Agni-IV missile from a defence base off Odisha coast on Monday. The missile is likely to be test fired from the Wheeler Island test facility.
Defence sources said while range integration had been completed for the test, initial countdown has begun at the test range. The intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) would be fired in full operational configuration between 8 am and 12 noon on Monday.

“The range is ready for the test and so also the mission team. The missile would be made vertical prior to the test and it would be launched after a special puja and some ceremonial offerings at the test range,” said the sources.
Though Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra were slated to witness the test for the first time, the CM’s visit was cancelled at the last minute.
The trial is aimed at revalidating some new technologies incorporated in the Agni-IV system and gauging the performance of its subsystems. The indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile is the most advanced long-range ballistic missile capable of being launched within minutes from a self-contained road mobile launcher.
Having a strike range of around 4,000 km, the two-stage solid propelled missile is 20 metre tall and weighs around 17 tonne. Compared to the Perishing missile of the US in terms of technology, Agni-IV has many cutting-edge technologies, which can meet global standards.
Agni-IV is better than 3,000-km range Agni-III in terms of performance envelop. It can be fired from locations deeper in the Indian hinterland, which will be very difficult for the enemy to track. The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability. It would be virtually indestructible and unstoppable in times of war.
The missile equipped with state of the art avionics and fifth generation on board computer has the latest features to correct and guide in-flight disturbances. It was first tested on December 10, 2010 which had failed while its second and third tests on November 15, 2011 and September 19, 2012 were successful.
Defence experts said with the twin success of 5,000 km range Agni-V missile India would emerge as another missile power in the region after the induction of Agni-IV, Agni-V and submarines launched K-15 missiles.
India’s arsenal is boasted of missiles like three variants of Prithvi, ship-launched Dhanush, BrahMos, Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III besides anti-tank Nag, Akash, Trishul and air-to-air Astra. This apart, new generation missiles like Sourya and Prahaar are undergoing developmental trials.

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