India test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range off the Odisha coast. User trial of the 700 km range missile from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore, was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army.
Defence sources said the trial reconfirms the army's readiness to fire it at short notice. They added that this was the 18th version of Agni-I, which could achieve all parameters within the stipulated time period. The surface-to-surface, single-stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was launched as part of a regular training exercise by the armed forces. The 15-metre-long, 12 tonne missile can carry payloads up to 1000 kg. The last successful trial was conducted on November 22, 2016, from the same base.
