India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile from Odisha

Summary

India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command, validating all operational and technical parameters.

Background

The Agni series of ballistic missiles forms the backbone of India's strategic deterrence capability, developed indigenously under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

TNPSC Relevance

Missile tests and India's strategic defence capability are frequently tested under the Defence section of TNPSC General Studies.

Constitutional / Economic / Scientific Relevance

Scientifically, Agni-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile capable of dual (nuclear/conventional) payload delivery, reflecting India's indigenous missile technology capability.

Key Highlights

• Agni-4, an indigenously developed medium-range ballistic missile, was successfully test-fired.
• The test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
• The missile is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads.
• The test was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command and validated all operational and technical parameters.

Important Facts

Timeline

Static GK Links

• Agni missile series: Agni-I to Agni-V/Agni-P
• Strategic Forces Command (SFC) - custodian of India's nuclear arsenal
• DRDO - Defence Research and Development Organisation

Exam Notes & Memorization Points

Agni-4 = medium-range ballistic missile; tested from Chandipur, Odisha.
Controlled by Strategic Forces Command.

Practice MCQs

Q1. From which test range was the Agni-4 ballistic missile successfully test-fired?

• (A) Wheeler Island, Odisha
• (B) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
• (C) Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
• (D) Pokhran, Rajasthan

Answer: C — The test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.

Q2. Agni-4 is capable of carrying which types of warheads?

• (A) Only conventional
• (B) Only nuclear
• (C) Both nuclear and conventional
• (D) Neither

Answer: C — Agni-4 can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

Q3. Under which command was the Agni-4 test conducted?

• (A) Western Air Command
• (B) Strategic Forces Command
• (C) Southern Naval Command
• (D) Integrated Defence Staff

Answer: B — The test was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command.