A new generation nuclear-capable Agni Prime missile was successfully test-fired on Saturday from a defence base off the coast of Odisha in Balasore, according to the government officials.

The officials stated that the Agni-P missile is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles. It is a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kms.

"A lot of new features have been added to the nuclear-capable strategic missile Agni Prime during this test. The missile test met all its mission objectives with a high level of accuracy," they said.

The nuclear-capable missile has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

According to the DRDO, the test was carried out today at 11:06 am. Telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations and downrange ships positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored missile trajectory and parameters. The missile followed textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy, the DRDO said in a statement.

"Agni P is a two-stage canisters solid-propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system. The second flight test has proven the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies integrated into the system," it added.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO for the successful flight test and expressed his happiness for the excellent performance of the system.

Earlier in August, India successfully tested the DRDO's Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) off the coast of Odisha. Just a month before that in July, India had test-fired its indigenously developed New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG). It is a Surface to Air Missile defence system launched in Balasore, Odisha.

Image courtesy: ANI