Canister-based Agni-V to be ready for induction next year

    By IANS,

    New Delhi: India is working on a “canisterised version” of Agni-V and the inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km would be ready for induction by next year, a top scientist said here Friday.

    Talking to reporters at the Defexpo here, Defence Research Development Orgainsation (DRDO) chief Avinash Chander said that canister-based version will increase the missile’s operational flexibility.

    He said in the normal “hot launch”, open space is required as huge flames hit the ground. The canister-based version is a difficult-to-detect road mobile system.

    “It is dimensional change. It is practically undetectable,” he said, adding: “We are confident that by next year-end this system will be ready for induction.”

    Agni-V is three-stage solid propellant missile and has already been test-fired twice. Its previous variants are Agni-I (700 km), Agni-II (2,500 km), Agni-III (3,000 km) Agni-IV (3,500 km).

    Officials said that the canister-based version will be test-fired this year and this will be followed by user trials.

    The DRDO chief also said that sea trials of the indigenously built nuclear submarine INS Arihant would begin in about two months.