Successful launch of Agni-4 ballistic missile

Why in news?

• Recently, medium-range ballistic missile, Agni-4 was successfully launched from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.

Agni-4 ballistic missile

• Agni-4 is the fourth missile in the Agni series.
• This missile has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
• It is a long-range nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
• Its weight is around 17000 kg.
• Its length is around 20 meters.
• The range of this missile is 3500 to 4000 km.
• It is capable of flying up to a height of 900 km

Agni Missile

• Agni missiles have been developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) headed by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
• The Government of India approved it in the year 1983.
• This series of missiles has been developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India.
• 5 missiles have been developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program-
  1. Prithvi: It is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
  2. Agni: It includes 5 ballistic missiles with different ranges.
  3. Trishul: It is a short-range surface-to-air missile.
  4. Nag: It is a third generation anti-tank missile.
  5. Akash: It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile.