The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the new-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni Prime from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

The ‘Agni P’ is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system.

It is a canisterised surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.

Agni-P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class (under IGMDP - Integrated Guided Missile Development Program).

The Agni Prime, known also as the Agni P, is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as a successor for Agni-I and Agni-II missiles.

The missile comes with new composites, propulsion systems, and innovative guidance and control mechanisms, besides the latest navigation systems.

It is the sixth missile in the Agni (missile) series of ballistic missile.

Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability, which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft.

Agni missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable surface to surface ballistic missile.

The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and tested in 1989.