India Tests Nuclear-Capable Missile
India tested a short-range nuclear-capable missile along its eastern coast on Thursday, an official said, as part of the nation's efforts to build up its atomic deterrent.
The surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile was fired from a range in the eastern state of Orissa and hit its target in the Bay of Bengal successfully, the defense ministry official said.
The Prithvi, which is domestically built and developed, can carry nuclear or conventional payloads and has already been inducted into the armed services.
India's Defense Research Development Organization is developing a series of missiles as part of the country's deterrent strategy against neighboring Pakistan and China which also have nuclear weapons.
The fourth test of the nine-meter Prithvi-II was a routine part of training exercises for the Indian armed forces, defense officials said.
With a striking range of 350 kilometers, the missile is capable of carrying a 1,000-kilogram warhead.
Source: Agence France Presse
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