New Delhi: India successfully conducted a night trial of the Agni-4, a surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile, from Chandipur, Odisha. This user trial, carried out under the Army’s Strategic Forces Command, met all technical parameters. Powered by solid fuel, this two-stage missile is capable of destroying enemy targets at a range of 4,000 kilometers, thereby further strengthening India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
Why are adversaries alarmed?
- All of China within range: A strike range of 4,000 km means India can now strike with precision targets ranging from across South Asia to the farthest corners of China. This test reinforces India’s doctrine of ‘Minimum Credible Deterrence.’
- Quick response time: Being solid-fuel propelled, the missile can be readied and launched from a mobile launcher in a very short time. This implies that in an emergency, the enemy would not even get a chance to react.
- 100% Army readiness: Following the successful tests of Agni-Prime and Agni-3 earlier this year, this user trial of Agni-4 demonstrates that the Indian Army’s Strategic Forces Command is fully prepared to deploy these nuclear-capable missiles at any time and under any circumstances.
