Fourth Launch Test Of Agni-V Missile Stuck Due To Battery Issue: DRDO Chief

A technical snag with the battery of India’s indigenous nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-V has caused the delay in its fourth test.

“It has been delayed because of a technical snag,” Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief S Christopher was quoted as saying by IANS. “There is a problem with the battery.”

The next test-firing of Agni-V is expected by the year-end. DRDO chief said: “Our colleagues have said the issue can be resolved. We will do a test before the end of this year.”

The DRDO chief has also denied reports that that the test was postponed due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US.

“The reasons for delay are only technical,” Christopher said.

Earlier reports had said that the fourth test of Agni-V was scheduled for December 2015, was postponed to January 2016 and then to March, but was rescheduled due to the prime minister’s visit to the US.

The last test was carried out on January 31, 2015, from a mobile canister, under then DRDO chief Avinash Chander, widely known as the man behind the Agni series of missiles, on the last day of his tenure.

Soon after, DRDO sources had told IANS that India planned for at least three more tests, and aimed at handing over the missile for user trials by mid-2016.

Agni-V is a three-stage missile designed to carry an over one-tonne warhead. Its 5,000 km range gives it the farthest reach among all Indian missiles.