India Set To Launch Agni-II Plus Missile
Note- AKA Agni II AT.
Source
India is preparing for the first launch of an upgraded version of the Agni-II missile. Known as the Agni-II Plus, Agni-II Prime or A2, this nuclear-capable missile was developed by Indias Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
This surface-to-surface missile can hit targets at ranges between 2,500 km and 3,000 km and is seen as a new warhead that would bridge the gap between Agni-II and Agni-III missiles, which have ranges of 2,500 km and 3,500 km, respectively.
It is currently scheduled for a December launch and top scientists from DRDOs missile complex in Hyderabad have already started preparations at Wheeler Island, off the Orissa Coast.
Sources tell Aviation Week that the Agni-II Prime will be an improvement in terms of accuracy, distance and strength. The launch preparations are on, an official says. This is part of DRDOs extended campaign in December as we have scheduled some more launches.
The A2 will be most likely test-fired for the first time on Dec. 8. The dates might defer, but the launch is [certainly] soon, the official says.
In addition to the ability to carry extra fuel, the A2 will have a new motor in its re-entry vehicle for better maneuverability and increased range. With a flex nozzle in the second stage to avoid anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defenses, the A2 has an
improved navigation system onboard.
The makers of the A2 at DRDOs Advanced System Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad refuse to give any details of the missile launch. The A2s launch comes soon after the Nov. 25 Agni-1 test-firing by Indias Strategic Forces Command as part of user trials.
In an interview for Aviation Weeks India Thought Leaders series, ASL Director Avinash Chander says that Indias aim is not to create mass nuclear weapons, but to create deterrence. We must be adequate enough to survive the first strike and we must be ready with an adequate response, Avinash said.
With the stage set for the A2 launch, all eyes are on Dr. Tessy Thomas, A2 Project Director (PD) for the DRDO. Tessy is Indias first woman scientist to head a missile program. In May 2008, the Indian government appointed Tessy as PD-A2. She was part of the Agni-III project as an associate director until then.
The A2 program is also significant for DRDO as the majority of scientists working on this mission are relatively young. This is the DRDO of tomorrow and we are not hesitant to hand over national programs to people who can deliver, an official says. A2s success is sure to write a new chapter in Indias missile program.