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Ist LD: India successfully test-fires surface-to-surface missile

Xinhua, January 2, 2017 Adjust font size:

India test-fired an Agni-IV missile on Monday from a road-mobile launcher off Abdul Kalam wheeler Island in its eastern sate of Odisha, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said.

The home-grown long-range intercontinental nuclear capable ballistic missile was test fired at 11:50 a.m. local time (0620 GMT).

The broadcaster quoting defense sources said Agni-IV test was aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in Agni-IV system and checking the readiness of India's armed forces to launch the missile on its own.

"Agni-IV is a two-stage, surface-to-surface missile, 20-metre-long and weighs 17 tonnes. It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometre," the broadcaster said.

Agni-IV has been designed and developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Indian Defense officials say the missile has many cutting-edge technologies which can meet global standards.

Monday's test is the sixth test of the missile and second user associate launch from the wheeler Island.

Last week India successfully launched its longest range Agni-V missile. Endit