Agni-3 Missile Test
India has recently demonstrated its robust missile defense capabilities with a successful test firing of the Agni-3 ballistic missile. This significant
event was carried out from the Integrated Test Range located in Chandipur, Odisha. The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, the branch of the military responsible for managing the nation's strategic nuclear assets. This launch served as a critical validation, confirming that all technical specifications and operational parameters of the Agni-3 system performed as intended. Officials confirmed that the test met its objectives, reinforcing the system's reliability and its state of readiness for deployment. The successful execution of this test underscores India's commitment to maintaining a strong and dependable strategic arsenal, which is crucial for its long-term national security interests and a key element of its deterrence strategy.
Missile Capabilities Unveiled
The Agni-3 is an indigenously developed Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) that plays a pivotal role in India's defense framework. Its impressive strike range spans between 3,000 to 3,500 kilometers, enabling it to reach strategic targets located deep within adversary territories. Since its formal induction into the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) in 2011, the Agni-3 has been a fundamental component of India's deterrence capabilities. Even with the subsequent development and testing of other advanced Agni variants, the Agni-3 continues to be a cornerstone of India's strategic posture. This powerful missile is engineered as a two-stage system, propelled by solid fuel for efficient and reliable launch. Primarily designed for nuclear payload delivery, it has the capacity to carry warheads weighing up to 1,500 kilograms, with an estimated explosive yield of 200 to 300 kilotons. Physically, the Agni-III measures 16.7 meters in length and has a diameter of 2 meters, with a substantial launch weight of 48,300 kilograms.
