New generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime being successfully flight-tested from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted the successful flight-test of new generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday evening.

Agni-Prime missile, which has a range of around 1,500 km is expected to replace Prithvi, Agni-1 and Agni-2 missiles. The nuclear capable missile will be primarily focused towards Pakistan. It will also be able to hit at some military targets in mainland China.

The missile is designed to be stored in and launched from mobile canister system, which reduces the time required to place the missiles on alert in a crisis and it can also be easily transported by forces to any place they want it. "The test met all the trial objectives validating its reliable performance, as confirmed from the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point," said defence ministry. The launch was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Strategic Forces Command and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, SFC and the Armed Forces for the successful test. He said that the successful development and induction of the missile will be an excellent force multiplier for the Armed Forces.