India Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Missile

India successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from east of Orisa state at 8:44 GMT Sunday. Indian Defense Ministry speaks of it on a press release soon after.

The missile, Agni III, is an intermediate-range missile capable of reaching a target as far as 3,500 kilometers. With that range, Agni III covers most of the Middle East and major cities of China.

India's test, however, wasn't likely to cause strain in the region, albeit to India's current stand against Pakistan. Online news groups like the Associated Press also clarifies that India and Pakistan have an ongoing agreement to notify each other of concurrent missile test launches as a preventive measure for unwanted disputes.

The 17 meter long missile has an onboard computer guiding system including remote access, and a capacity to equip with nuclear warheads. Agni III is two meters in diameter and applies a double-staged propulsion system.

In a press release Indian Defense Ministry stated the success of this fourth addition to the series of their ballistic tests. Agni III was tested for full range, hit the target with "pin-point accuracy" and met all objectives, the Defense Ministry said.

Sitanshu Kar, the ministry spokesman, added to immediately "induct" the new Agni III missile into the armed forces, where it will join two of its previous models, Agni I and II. These other two missiles were India's second and third attempt to succeed in the same ballistic tests since 2006, while their first one botched to meet its expectations.

In a press release by India's Press Information Bureau, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praises the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) scientists, the project team and the Advanced Systems Laboratory for the experiments success.

"On behalf of the Nation I commend our scientists and engineers for their dedication, hard work and excellence in our march towards achieving self reliance in high technology areas and meeting the country's defence needs. Our scientists have always done our country proud and I wish them continued success in their future efforts," Prime Minister said.

But despite all the effort of India's Defense Ministry to demarcate Agni III's endeavor to nothing but pure defensive measures, its simple presence adds weight to the already stressful war environment. Meanwhile, critics and military analysts are left to comment how this new missile will really affect the current war tensions that most people fail to see.

Sources;

Press Information Bureau | India

Earth Times

Associated Press