Agni-3 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

India successfully test-fired the Agni-3 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The test validated the missile's operational capability and reliability.

About the Agni-3 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

• Agni-3 is a medium-to-long-range ballistic missile with a maximum range of approximately 3,000 kilometers.
• It is part of the Agni missile family and plays a key role in India's land-based nuclear deterrent system.
• The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is operationally deployed under the Strategic Forces Command.

Objectives

• Maintaining credible minimum deterrence against potential long-range threats
• Strengthening India's second-strike capability
• Expanding strategic reach beyond short- and medium-range missiles

Key Features

• Range: Approximately 3,000 kilometers
• Range: Intermediate-range ballistic missile
• Launch system: Road-mountable mobile launcher, canisterized versions of which have been previously tested
• Warhead: Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads
• Guidance system: Advanced inertial navigation system providing high accuracy
• Propulsion technology: Two-stage solid-fuel engine
• Test results: Successfully validated all technical and operational parameters during the test in 2026

Significance

• Strategic security: This missile strengthens India's extended regional deterrence capability.
• Military readiness: Validates the reliability of nuclear delivery systems under operational command.
• Missile Network: Agni-1, Agni-2, Agni-4 and Agni-5 together form the complete missile range covering a range of 700 to 5,000 kilometres.