Strategic Force Command of India successfully test-fired Agni-I missile

Strategic Force Command (SFC) of India on 11 September 2014 successfully test-fired nuclear weapons capable ballistic missile Agni-I.

The missile was launched from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, Balasore off the Odisha Coast. Having the range capability of over 700-km, Agni-I was propelled by a solid rocket propellant system.

This surface-to-surface missile carrying a total payload mass of 1100 kg zeroed in on the pre-designated target in the Bay of Bengal with two-digit accuracy. The route of the missile was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and naval ships.

The launch was a part of regular user training of SFC personnel to consolidate operational readiness. The test involved the test firing of upgraded version of Agni-I with better re-entry technology and manoeuvrability.

Background
•    Agni-I was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989.
•    It was developed by DRDO in April 1999.
•    The full-fledged trial of Agni-I took place in 2002.
•    On 28 Mar 2010, Agni-I was tested by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and since then SFC of the Indian Army conducted several user trials of Agni-I missile to test its readiness to launch ballistic missiles.

Agni-I Missile
•    Agni-I is a Short to Medium range ballistic missiles developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
•    Agni-I is a single stage, solid fuel, road and rail mobile medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM).
•    The missile is a variant between Prithvi missile and Agni-II missile.