India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile

Nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-III ballistic missile was successfully tested on 16 April 2015.
The test was conducted from Wheelar Isalnd off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) with support of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Facts about Agni III missile

• It is surface-to-surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile.
• Indigenously developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Range: 3000 km.
• Dimensions: 17 metres in length, 2 metres in diameter. Launch weight is around 50 tonnes.
• Payload: It can carry a nuclear warhead of 1.5 tonne and is protected by carbon all-composite heat shield.
• It is a two-stage solid-propelled missile.
• Equipped with the hybrid guidance, navigation and control systems along with advanced on-board computer.

At present India has arsenal of Agni-I, II and III and Prithvi missiles with strike reach of over 3000 km, giving an effective deterrence capability.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2015