India test fire Nuclear-capable Agni-I missile

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BALASORE, Feb 6 (TNS): India on Tuesday test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range off the Odisha coast.

The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army conducted the user trial of the 700 km range missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore.

It was 18th version of Agni-I, which could achieve all parameters within the stipulated time period, said defence ources. The missile was inducted into service in 2004, the sources added.

The surface-to-surface, single-stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was launched as part of a regular training exercise by the armed forces, said the defence sources.

The trial reconfirms the Army’s readiness to fire it at short notice, the sources added.

The Agni-I missile has a specialised navigation system which ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision. The 15-metre-long Agni-I weighing 12 tonne can carry payloads up to 1,000 kg.