IGMDP or Integrated Guided Missile Development Program was initiated by India for developing a range of Missiles, including Missiles of IR; Agni missile Ballistic Missile (Surface to Surface), SR; Prithvi missile Ballistic Missile (Surface to Surface), Akash Missile (Surface to Air), Trishul Missile (Surface to Air) and Nag Missile (Surface to Surface). Most of these missiles are in various stages of development and deployment (Prithvi). Astra Missile is being developed for a Air to Air, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) role.
According to a status report of major ongoing projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headed by Kalam, the development of the five indigenous missiles under the IGMDP is progressing as per schedule.
"Agni" missile, the crown of the IGMDP, is being given top priority and DRDO scientists have been able to indigenously produce carbon-carbon composite material which could withstand temperatures upto 3500 degrees celsius during the flight of the missile.
User trials of the other three missiles under the IGMDP - the 9 Km short range low level quick reaction Trishul for the three services, the 25Km medium range surface to air missile "Akash" with multiple target handling capability, the third generation 4Km range anti-tank "Nag" missile - were slated to commence next year.
The Agni missile (from Sanskrit Agnī meaning "Fire", one of the 5 elements of nature) is an IRBM developed under the IGMDP by India.
It was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989, and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead.
The expertise and technology developed throught the IGMDP is also used in the new Anti ballistic missile called the Exoatmospheric interceptor system which successfully intercepted a Prithvi-II ballistic missile.
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