India on Tuesday flight-tested the indigenously developed Agni-I ballistic missile that can carry a nuclear payload as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range off the Odisha coast.
The Strategic Forces Command of the Army conducted the user trial of the 700 km range missile from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore.
It was 18th version of Agni-I, which could achieve all parameters within the stipulated time period, said defence sources.
The missile was inducted into service in 2004, the sources pointed out.
The surface-to-surface, single stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was launched as part of a regular training exercise by the armed forces, said the sources. The trial reconfirmed the Army’s readiness to fire it at short notice.
The missile has a specialised navigation system, which ensures it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision. It has proved its excellent performance in terms of range and accuracy.
The 15-metre-long Agni-I, weighing 12 tonnes, can carry payloads up to 1,000 kg.
The last trial was successfully conducted on November 22, 2016 from the same base.
