Agni-IV
Agni-IV is one of the missile systems developed under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). It is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) designed to enhance India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Agni-IV is an important component of India’s nuclear triad, which includes land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.
Features and specifications of the Agni-IV missile:
1. Range: Agni-IV is an IRBM with a reported range of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 kilometers (around 2,200 to 2,500 miles). This range allows it to strike targets deep within enemy territory, making it an essential asset in India’s strategic defense.
2. Payload Capacity: The missile is capable of carrying a variety of payloads, including both conventional and nuclear warheads. It is designed to carry a single warhead, which can be a high-explosive conventional warhead or a nuclear warhead.
3. Two-Stage Missile: Agni-IV is a two-stage, solid-fueled missile. The use of solid propellants makes the missile easier to store, handle, and transport.
4. Mobility: The missile is road-mobile, which means it can be transported and launched from different locations, making it more difficult for potential adversaries to target and neutralize.
5. Accuracy: Agni-IV is designed to have a high degree of accuracy, which is crucial for targeting specific military installations and minimizing collateral damage.
6. Strategic Deterrence: As part of India’s strategic deterrence posture, Agni-IV serves as a credible means of retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack on India. It contributes to the country’s nuclear doctrine of “credible minimum deterrence.”
It is important to note that the development and deployment of Agni-IV and other missile systems by India are guided by its no-first-use (NFU) policy, wherein India pledges not to use nuclear weapons first in a conflict but reserves the right to respond with nuclear weapons if attacked with such weapons by an adversary.
As with other missile systems developed by DRDO, Agni-IV represents India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in advanced defense technology and bolster its capabilities to safeguard national security.
see also
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
Defence Research and Development Organization
Prithvi missile
Tessy Thomas