News:India successfully conducted the first night trial of ‘Agni-II’ from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.
Facts:
About Agni-II:
- Agni-II is an intermediate-range ballistic missile(IRBM) that has already been inducted into the armed forces.This was the first time that this missile was test-fired at night.
- The missile was developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization).
- The missile is a surface-to-surface medium-range nuclear-capable missile that can carry a nuclear payload of 1000kgs.
- The missile has a strike range of 2000 km.The range of the 21-metre long missile weighing 17 tonnes can also be increased to three thousand kilometres by reducing the payload.
Additional information:
About Ballistic missile:
- Ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads to a predetermined target.
- These weapons are guided during relatively brief periods of flight and most of their trajectory is unpowered, being governed by gravity and air resistance if in the atmosphere.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
- DRDO was established in 1958 by the government of India.It is under the administrative control of Union Ministry of Defence.
- DRDO aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in Defence Systems.It undertakes design & development leading to the production of a world-class weapon system.
