The Hindu : Front Page : Agni-III gets nod for induction

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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008
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Agni-III gets nod for induction

Y.Mallikarjun

HYDERABAD: The nuclear capable, long-range (3,500 km) missile, Agni-III, which is expected to be the mainstay of India’s nuclear deterrence programme, has been cleared for induction into the Army.

This is perhaps the first time that a missile received the nod for induction within a short span of two-and-half years following the first flight test. While the first trial of the surface-to-surface missile ended in a failure in July 2006, the subsequent two flight tests conducted in April 2007 and May 2008 were a resounding success.

“We had an excellent repetition performance in May this year. It was an integrated performance in which all aspects of the weapon system were tested. The capability of the system had been proved and no further technology demonstration is needed” said Avinash Chander, director Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) which designs and develops the Agni series.

He told The Hindu here on Monday that a few user trials would be carried out of the ballistic missile whenever required. The process of induction of Agni-I (700 km) and Agni-II (2,000 km) was continuing.

Meanwhile, ASL had begun work on “new systems” for Agni-V with a range of 5,000 km plus and the first flight test was expected to take place in 2010.

Asked about the development of 1,000 km plus subsonic cruise missile, ‘Nirbhay,’ Mr. Avinash said that work was going on well.

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