Test of nuclear-capable Indian missile fails - Summary

Fri, 10 Dec 2010

New Delhi - India's first test of an upgraded version of its Agni-II nuclear-capable missile was unsuccessful Friday as the missile plunged into the Bay of Bengal, officials said.

The "Agni-II plus" medium-range missile was tested from a defense base off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa but fell into the sea seconds after its launch.

"The experimental launch of the missile experienced a trajectory deviation immediately after lift-off, leading to the failure of the mission," Defense Ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar said in New Delhi.

"Detailed analysis (of the failure) is in progress," he said.

The Agni-II plus is said to be an intermediate missile between the Agni-II and Agni-III, India's most powerful missile.

The surface-to-surface missile has a strike range of 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers. The Agni-II has a range capability of 2,000 kilometers while the Agni-III can cover up to 3,500 kilometers.

Scientists from the Defense Research and Development Organization said the modified missile would bridge the gap between the two missiles.

Besides greater range, the upgraded missile would also have better accuracy because it has an improved navigation system, they said.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/357504,missile-fails-summary.html.