Global Security Newswire

India today conducted a successful test launch of its nuclear-capable Agni 2 ballistic missile, Agence France-Presse reported (see GSN, May 19).

The weapon was fired from eastern India and "achieved all its flight parameters without hitch," a high-level Indian Defense Ministry official told AFP.

"It was a user trial conducted by the army and defense scientists," the official said, adding that the test marked a new step toward mass-producing the weapon for India's army. The missile was last tested on May 19.

The Agni 2 is 65 feet long, weighs 17.6 tons and is designed to carry nuclear or conventional warheads beyond 1,500 miles. India's Agni 3 ballistic missile has a flight range approaching 1,900 miles.

India is working on a version of the weapon capable of traveling up to 3,100 miles, unconfirmed reports indicate (Agence France-Presse/Spacewar.com, June 19).