Agni 3 missile tested successfully
India on Friday successfully test-fired the 3,500-km-range ballistic missile, the Agni-3, which is capable of carrying a nuclear weapon.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said: “Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-3’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.”
The launch validated all operational and technical parametres. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the MoD said.
Internationally, the intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) are classified as 5,000-km range.
India has already completed its nuclear triad and operationalised its second-strike capability, with nuclear ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant undertaking deterrence patrols.
A nuclear triad is a three-pronged military structure that consists of land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear submarines and aircraft with nuclear missiles.
A second-strike capability assures an ability to respond to a nuclear attack with powerful nuclear retaliation.