India Successfully Launches Nuclear-Capable Mid-Range Missile
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NEW DELHI — India test-fired a surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable missile from a range off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa, putting the South Asian country in the group of nations with intermediate-range ballistic capabilities.
Agni III, with a range of 3,000 1,865 miles, was fired successfully at the integrated test range from Wheeler Island at about 9:56 a.m. local time yesterday, the defense ministry said in an e-mail statement in New Delhi.
India’s space and missile programs, coupled with economic growth close to 9% and a bid for a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council, is part of the country’s efforts to build up defenses and establish itself as a world power.
The launch “added yet another dimension to the national deterrence,” the ministry said.
The 17 meter-long, 2 meter-wide missile has a two-stage solid propellant system and can carry a payload of 1.5 tons. The missile reached the pre-designated target in 800 seconds, traveling at a peak height of 350 kilometers, the ministry said.
This is Agni III’s third flight test after the missile failed its first one on July 9, 2006. The second test of the missile on April 12, 2007, was successful.
Today’s test was a “complete success and met all the mission objectives,” the release said, citing missile Program Director Avinash Chander. “With this flight, the developmental flights of Agni III are complete and the system is ready for induction.”
