Why in the News?

An Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, was launched from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. It was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, demonstrating the missile's capabilities and ensuring its readiness for strategic purposes.

Agni-IV

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• It is an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
• It is the fourth in the Agni series of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles.
• The name comes from the Sanskrit word 'Agni', which means 'fire' and represents one of the five elements of nature.
  It is designed for nuclear deterrence and is capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
• Range: 4,000 kilometers
• Length: 20 meters
• Weight: 17 tonnes
• It has undergone seven successful test fires over six years, with the first conducted on 15^th November 2011.

Agni – 4, Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)