Global Security Newswire

India in March expects to conduct the first trial launch of its developmental Agni 5 ballistic missile, which is designed with a top range of roughly 3,100 miles, Agence France-Presse reported (see GSN, Jan. 20).

Previous reports had suggested the test of the nuclear-capable missile would occur this month.

"The trial of Agni 5 is planned for March and its individual technologies and subsystems have been tested and everything is fine," AFP quoted an Indian Defense Research and Development Organization spokesman as saying.

The source added: "Agni 5 is a highly accurate and state-of-art missile system which can carry nuclear weapons."

The Agni 5 would give New Delhi a missile with a near-ICBM reach. Its Agni 4 model can fly about 2,175 miles.

The nation's ballistic missiles are intended for "deterrence" and not aimed at any particular nation, the official said. India has fought three wars with Pakistan, and relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors continue to be tense (see GSN, Feb. 10). India and China also have an unresolved border disagreement.

"Our strategic missiles are for deterrence and are not country-specific. They are meant to ensure peace," the spokesman said (Agence France-Presse/Spacewar.com, Feb. 15).