Agni-II user trials slated for 19 May
13 May 2009
New Delhi: The user trial of the 2,000-km-plus Agni-II intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) will be conducted by the Indian Army on 19 May. A successful test would make the nuclear-capable missile fully operational.
This will be the first user-trial of the Agni-II and will be aimed at providing the Army the required expertise in operating the missile on its own. The test will be conducted at Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast.
The missile, which weighs 17 tonnes, can carry a 1-tonne payload over a distance of 2,000 km. A reduction in the size of the payload would result in an increase in the range of the missile.
The Army has conducted user trials of the 700-km Agni-I, which is designed to fill in the gap between the shorter range Prithvi (150-350 km) and Agni-II missiles.
The Prithvi is the only fully operational missile with the Indian Army.