Agni-IV, the 4,000-km range nuclear capable ballistic missile was successfully launched recently from the Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. This was the third consecutively successful trial and the last one in the series of development launches. The missile took off majestically, rose to a height of over 850 km, covered the intended range in about 20 minutes, hit the target with two digit accuracy; meeting all mission objectives and proving the capabilities of the missile.

The Agni-IV missile propelled by composite solid fuel rocket motor technology was launched from its road mobile launcher indigenously developed by DRDO. The long-range radars and electro-optical tracking systems (EOTS) located all along the coast have tracked and monitored all the parameters throughout the flight. Two ships located near the target point tracked the vehicle and witnessed the final event. The Defence Minister A.K. Antony congratulated the Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Avinash Chander and his team on the success.

Agni-IV is equipped with state-of-theart avionics, fifth-generation on board computer and distributed architecture. It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for inflight disturbances. The most accurate ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system and supported by highly reliable redundant micro navigation system, ensured the vehicle reach the target within two digit accuracy. The re-entry heat shield withstood temperatures in the range of 4,000 degree Celsius and made sure the avionics function normally with inside temperature remaining less than 50 degree Celsius. Agni-I, II, III and Prithvi are already in the arsenal of armed forces, giving them reach of over 3,000 km, giving India an effective deterrence capability.