Missile Agni-IV

Summary

CategoryBallistic Missiles
Sub-typeIntermediate Range Ballistic Missile
Origin country 🇮🇳 India
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
StatusIn service
Year of service2014

Technical specifications

WarheadConventional, thermobaric, strategic nuclear weapon
Warhead weight1000 kg (2,205 lb)
Length20,000 mm (787.4 in)
Flight altitude900,000 m (2,952,756 ft)
Weight17,000 kg (37,479 lb)
Range 4,000 km (2,485 mi)
Max. speed14,817 km/h (Mach 14.8)

Agni-IV scale diagram

Range
4,000 km
Speed
Mach 14.8
Weight
17.0 t
Warhead
1.0 t

Operators

🇮🇳 India

Description

The Agni-IV is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, formerly designated during its development phase as Agni II prime. It was designed to bridge the operational gap between the Agni-II and Agni-III. The initial flight test occurred on November 15, 2011, at Wheeler Island.

The missile utilizes two stages of solid propellant and incorporates a composite rocket motor. The payload section is protected by a re-entry heat shield designed to withstand temperatures reaching 4,000°C, maintaining internal avionics at operational temperatures. Navigation is provided by a ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation system (RLG-INS) and a redundant micro-inertial navigation system (MINGS). These systems are integrated with a high-performance onboard computer using a distributed avionics architecture and a digital control system. Design features include a reduced radar cross-section and suppressed detectable signatures to counter anti-ballistic missile defenses. The missile is capable of carrying conventional, thermobaric, or strategic nuclear warheads.

The Agni-IV is in service with the Strategic Forces Command of India. It is operated from 8x8 road-mobile transporter erector launchers and rail-mobile launchers. Since its induction, the Strategic Forces Command has conducted multiple user trials and training launches, with successful events recorded in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. No combat use has been documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of missile is the Agni-IV?
The Agni-IV is a ballistic missile developed by India. It entered service in 2014.
What is the range of the Agni-IV?
The Agni-IV has a maximum range of approximately 4,000 km (2,485 miles). Effective range varies with launch platform, altitude, and flight profile.
How fast is the Agni-IV?
The Agni-IV reaches a maximum speed of 14,817 km/h (Mach 12.0).
What warhead does the Agni-IV carry?
The Agni-IV carries a conventional, thermobaric, strategic nuclear weapon warhead weighing 1,000 kg.
How is the Agni-IV guided?
The Agni-IV uses RLG-INS, redundant micro-INS and digital control guidance.
Which countries use the Agni-IV?
The Agni-IV is in service with 1 country: India.
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