India tests nuclear capable Agni-IV missile

The missile, with the capability to hit targets 4,000 km away, was tested from the Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast

India Tuesday successfully conducted the first user trial of its long-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Agni-IV missile from a defence base in Odisha, an official said.

The missile, with the capability to hit targets 4,000 km away, was tested from the Wheeler Island off the state coast near Dhamra in Bhadrak district, about 200 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar.

"The launch was successful," Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) spokesman Ravi Kumar Gupta told IANS.

The operation was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) personnel of the Indian Army.

The 17 tonne, 20-metre tall Agni-IV missile is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, and fifth generation On Board Computer.

It has the latest features to correct and guide itself for inflight disturbances. It also has two stages of solid propulsion.