India today sucessfully test-fired the nuclear weapons-capable Agni-IV, one of its longest range missiles, from the Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast. The surface-to-surface missile was test-fired at 1147 this morning from launch complex number 4 in Wheeler Island. Agni-IV is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime.

Indian defense scientists today successfully test-fired the most advanced long range missile, Agni-4, taking the country to a new high. The 20-meter long and 17,000-kg weight Agni-!V missile can hit target within the range of 3,500 to 4,000 km. This is the third trial of Agni-IV. It was tested on 15th of November last year from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. Agni-IV is expected to be inducted into the defence services early next year after the completion of the developmental trials. The two-stage solid fuel propelled missile is lighter than Agni-III because of the composite rocket motor casings. It is designed to carry a payload of 1,000-kg. Its re-entry vehicle is equipped with heat shield to enable the payload withstand searing temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees Celsius. The missile’s advanced ring-laser gyro-based INS ensures a high degree of accuracy.