BBC
India has test-fired its longest-range nuclear-capable ballistic
missile, Agni-III, officials said.
The surface-to-surface missile was test-fired off the coast of Orissa
state in eastern India.
With a range of more than 3,000km (1,865 miles), the missile could hit
targets as far off as Beijing and Shanghai, analysts say.
The Agni-III is India's most sophisticated long-range missile. It was
successfully test-fired last year.
The first attempt to test the missile in July 2006 failed after it
developed a snag during the flight and came cra****ng down into the Bay
of Bengal.
The missile was re-configured for the second launch in April 2007.
Boost capability
Indian defence spokesman Group Captain Ramesh Kumar Das said the
latest test was launched from the interim test range at the Wheeler's
Island in the Bay of Bengal.
The intermediate range ballistic missile is capable of carrying a
1.5-tonne nuclear payload.
When deployed, it will boost India's second-strike capability as it
can be launched from anywhere using a mobile launcher.
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Boy, they're really moving up fast in the world, aren't they ?
A 3000-lb payload ... that oughtta host a small MERV with
three or four bombs inside. Sure as hell could deliver a
20+ KT fission or even one of those fusion-boosted 50+ KT
bombs they've been working on - and all in a convenient
destabilizing MOBILE package. Indias SS-20 for all intents
and purposes.
Meanwhile, the political situation in Pakistan remains, well,
"fluid" ... "uncertain" ... "chaotic" ...... with eager
islamists just waiting for their chance.
India is already launching earth-orbiting satellites and plans
manned space missions in 8-10 years. This means they have
bona-fide ICBM capability, able to deliver weapons to any
point on earth should they deem it necessary. I trust 'em a
lot more than the N.Koreans or Iranians ... but it's not
impossible for a radical government to come into power there,
riding a wave of food/water/resource/religious crises.
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