India: The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has conducted the first canister-based trial of the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast. Launched from a canister mounted on a road-mobile launcher from the integrated test range's launch complex-IV, the nuclear-capable missile climbed to a height of more than 600km in its parabolic trajectory and accurately hit the designated target point in the Indian Ocean after 20 minutes.
The missile's parameters were monitored by radars and electro-optical systems, while the ships located in mid-range and at the target point tracked the vehicle and witnessed the final event.
"All mission objectives have been achieved, down-range ships have confirmed final splashdown, the mission is a great success and it is a momentous occasion,” said Dr VG Sekaran, Director General, DRDO Missiles and Strategic Systems. The road-mobile canister-version will enable Agni-V to be fired from stop-to-launch within a few minutes and ensure higher reliability, longer shelf-life and reduced maintenance.
Source: Zee news
