India tests nuclear-capable Agni-I missile

Thu, 25 Nov 2010

New Delhi - India successfully tested its nuclear-capable Agni-I short-range ballistic missile off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa Thursday.

The missile, named after the Hindu god of fire, can carry payloads of 1 ton up to 700 kilometers and was introduced into the Indian Army in 2004. Regular trials have been carried out since.

"The trial of Agni-I was smooth and the test flight was fully successful," test range director SP Dash was quoted as saying by the PTI news agency.

The user trial was aimed at gauging the military's preparedness for handling the missile system.

The missile, 15 meters in length and weighing 12 tons, is part of India's deterrent program largely aimed at Pakistan and China.

Agni-II, which has a range of more than 1,500 kilometers, was first tested in 1999.

Since 2007, India has also successfully tested Agni-III, which can cover distances up to 3,500 kilometers.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/355154,tests-nuclear-capable-agni-i-missile.html.