DRDO Successfully Flight Tests New Generation Agni P Ballistic Missile

INDIA. Mumbai:  The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile, in the Agni series known as Agni P from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha, on Monday.

“Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile. The missile has followed textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy,” DRDO said in a statement.

Agni P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles. It is a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km, that can be used to target enemy armadas in the Indo-Pacific. It is the first of the new class of Agni missiles to be launched by DRDO. The ballistic missile weighs 50% less than Agni III and has new guidance and a new generation of propulsion. Since the missile is canisterised, it can be launched from rail and road and stored for a longer period, and transported all across the country as per operational requirements.

Last Friday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired an extended range version of indigenously-developed Pinaka rocket at Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

That day, 25 Enhanced Pinaka rockets, which can destroy targets at distances up to 45 kilometers, were test-fired in quick succession against targets at different ranges on Thursday and Friday. The 122 mm Caliber rockets were also launched from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).

Defence Minister interacts with troops of Indian Army

In another development, Defence Minister interacted with the officers and jawans of the Indian Army’s 14 corps in Ladakh at Karu Military Station on Monday. In his address, Singh paid rich tributes to the brave jawans who laid down their lives in the service of the nation during the Galwan Valley incident in 2020, saying that the country will never forget their supreme sacrifice. He lauded the exemplary courage displayed by the Indian Army during the incident and stated that the nation is proud of its Armed Forces. 

Singh stated that India is a peace-loving nation that never resorts to any kind of aggression, but at the same time, it is always prepared to give a befitting reply if provoked. He reiterated the Government’s stand of resolving disputes through dialogue with neighboring countries but assured the nation that the safety and security of the nation will not be compromised at any cost. He assured all possible support to the Armed Forces, reaffirming the vision of the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of a strong military that is capable of dealing with every eventuality. 

He also commended the 14th Corps for their invaluable contribution during the 1965 Indo-Pak War as well as the 1999 Kargil war. General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen YK Joshi, and General Officer Commanding of the 14 Corps Lt Gen PGK Menon were among those present on the occasion.

IN’s Partnership Exercise in the East China sea

In another development, the Indian Navy’ indigenous ASW Corvette INS Kiltan deployed in the Far East undertook “Navy Partnership Exercise” in the East China sea with Republic of Korea Navy Ship ROKS Gyeongnam, a Daegu-class frigate on Monday.