On Friday, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi officially launched the “Agniastra” multi-target launcher at the Army Chiefs of Staff Meeting in Gangtok. Designed by Colonel Raj Prasad RS of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, the device is intended for conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations and marks a major advance in military technology.
Enhanced capabilities in combat operations
The “Agniastra” machine has advanced capabilities to infiltrate rooms, destroy bunkers or remote hideouts, and demolish caches. Army officials emphasised its potential for safety and effectiveness in a variety of military situations and said "it would be crucial in conventional and counter-terrorism operations."
Patents and technological advances
Earlier this year, on March 19, Major Rajprasad was issued a patent. The new device, the Portable Multi-Target Detonation Device, replaces the old Exploder Dynamo Capacitor (WEDC), extending the operating range from 400 meters to 2.5 km. This microprocessor-based system allows for selective and simultaneous detonation of multiple targets, offering greater flexibility and safety for military personnel in high-risk operations.
Army Chiefs Meeting at Gangtok
Reflecting the strategic importance of Sikkim, it was launched at the Army Chiefs of Staff Meeting held outside Delhi for the first time. Under the chairmanship of General Dwivedi, the conference is being held in two phases - the first in Gangtok and the second in New Delhi from October 28-29. The program focused on reviewing and evaluating readiness for employment.
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