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Agni-IV Missile

This article will cover detailed information about Section Agni-IV Missile

Why in the News?

Recently, India conducted a launch test of its nuclear-capable Agni-4 missile, reaffirming the credible minimum deterrence capability from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. 

Key Points:

About Agni-4

  • It is an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile with a range of around 4,000 km
  •  Developed by: the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  •  It can carry a 1,000-kg payload and can go as high as 900 km
  • It uses a two-stage rocket engine powered by solid propellants
  • Further, the Composite Rocket Motor which has been used for the first time in this missile is known to deliver excellent performance
  • Agni-4 falls under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which is operationally responsible for all of India’s nuclear assets

A Synoptic View: History of missile technology in India

  • At the time of Independence, India did not have any indigenous missile capabilities
  • The Government created the Special Weapon Development Team in 1958
  • This was later expanded and called the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), which moved from Delhi to Hyderabad by 1962
  • In 1972, Project Devil, for the development of a medium range Surface-to-Surface Missile was initiated. A large number of infrastructure and test facilities were established during this period
  • The development of components / systems for Project Devil formed the technology base for the future IGMDP Programme
  • By 1982, DRDL was working on several missile technologies under the Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme (IGMDP)

India’s Missile Systems:

  • The two most important India’s Missile Systems are: Agni and Prithvi, both being used by the Strategic Forces Command.

    • Agni (range around 5,000 ) , is India’s only contender for an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM), which is available with only a few countries

    • Prithvi, although a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a 350 km range, has strategic uses

    • India also tested a anti-satellite system in April 2019. A modified anti-ballistic missile named Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mk 2 was used to hit a low-orbit satellite. It put India only behind the US, Russia and China in this capability

Significance:

  • According to observers, Agni-4  test comes amidst the continuing military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, which has entered its third year now without showing any signs of de-escalation in the high-altitude region.

What is the difference between ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ and ‘Strategic Deterrence’?

  • Credible Minimum Deterrence: It is a composite posturing adopted by some nuclear-armed states (especially India and Pakistan) to convey a non-aggressive and defensive nuclear posture by projecting a nuclear arsenal that fulfils the bare needs of defence and security

  • Accordingly, it implies that the nuclear arsenals will be minimal enough to provide credible deterrence against adversaries

  • Strategic Deterrence: It has traditionally (especially during the Cold War) been associated with nuclear weapons – possession of capability to undertake unacceptable destruction and deterring the adversary by posturing the ability and intent to do so