Click to play videoIndia: In a big boost for the country's defence capability and what many see as taking the Chinese threat head on - India has successfully tested its nuclear-capable missile Agni-III.
With a range of 3,500km, the solid fuel-powered Agni-III missile took off from Wheelers Island off Orissa coast at 0956 hrs IST and achieved its full range and accuracy by reaching its pre-designated target in 800 seconds.
It is reportedly capable of carrying a 300-kiloton nuclear warhead payload.
The test firing comes as Beijing has stepped up its offensive on the cyberspace with reports of repeated infiltration into Indian government websites including the National Informatics Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Incidentally, the test firing comes just ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. This was the third test firing of the Agni III.
The first one, in 2006 was a total failure and a heat shield defect had to be rectified before the successful second launch in 2007.
Agni-III will add depth and credibility to India's capability to deter a nuclear adversary. With the successful test fire, China's major cities can now be targeted by India.
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