Article Posted on : - May 19, 2009

A file photo of Agni-II

BALASORE (PTI): India Tuesday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable 'Agni-II' missile with a strike range of upto 3,000 kms from a launch pad off Orissa's coast.

The test of the indigenously built Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile was carried out from a mobile launcher at about 1006 hrs from launch pad-4 of Integrated Test Range at Wheelers Island near Dhamra, about 80 kms from here, defence sources said.

It was a user trial conducted by the army and scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were present to provide the necessary logistical support, the sources said.

The trial of the sophisticated missile was successful and scientists would conduct a detailed analysis.

The missile after three successful trials by DRDO is ready for production. "We have completely developed systems for such variant of missiles," a senior defence scientist said. A special missile group has been raised in the army to handle such weapon.

The state-owned Bharat Dynamics Ltd is the nodal agency for production of Agni-I and Agni-II missiles.

The indigenously built surface-to-surface Agni-I missile has a strike range of 700 km, while Agni-II missile has capability of hitting targets at ranges between 2500 to 3000 kms with a 1000 kg pay-load.