India has successfully conducted a test launch of the Agni 3 intermediate range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, marking another significant milestone in the country’s strategic defence capabilities. The test was carried out on Friday under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, which is responsible for managing India’s nuclear arsenal and maintaining its strategic deterrence posture.

The Agni 3 missile is a surface to surface, nuclear weapons capable ballistic missile with a strike range exceeding 3,000 kilometres. Designed to enhance India’s credible minimum deterrence, the missile plays a vital role in the nation’s layered missile defence programme. Its successful test reaffirms India’s ability to maintain a robust and reliable deterrent against potential threats.

Technically, Agni 3 is a two stage missile powered by solid propellants, a feature that ensures faster launch readiness, easier storage, and greater operational reliability. The missile is road mobile, which significantly enhances its survivability by allowing rapid deployment and movement across different terrains. This mobility adds to India’s strategic flexibility in responding to evolving security scenarios.

With the capability to carry a payload of up to 1.5 tonnes, Agni 3 is engineered to deliver a wide range of warhead configurations with high accuracy. The successful test launch validated all mission objectives, including the missile’s range, accuracy, and overall performance parameters.

The test launch from the Odisha coast once again highlights the importance of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur as a key facility for India’s missile development and testing programmes. It also reflects the continued efforts of India’s defence scientists and strategic forces to strengthen national security through indigenous technological advancements.

This successful Agni 3 test further underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a strong, credible, and reliable strategic deterrent while adhering to its stated policy of minimum deterrence.