India Launches Nuclear-Capable Missile

India yesterday conducted a successful test launch of a nuclear-capable missile with a range of 435 miles, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 26).

The Agni 1 “missile had a textbook performance in terms of range, accuracy and lethality,” the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement. 

The weapon, which can be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads, lifted off from Wheeler’s Island near the eastern coast of India and flew over the Bay of Bengal, the ministry said.

India’s Agni missiles are considered more powerful than the nation’s short-range Prithvi ballistic missiles, medium-range Akash air-defense interceptors and Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles.

India’s Agni 3 missile, which New Delhi tested in 2007, could deliver a nuclear warhead to a target in much of Asia or the Middle East.  India maintains that its missile arsenal is intended to deter Chinese and Pakistani aggression (Associated Press/Google News, March 23).

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