New Delhi: India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) today successfully test-fired a "training launch" of nuclear-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile Agni-IV from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The Agni-IV missile is believed to have a range of up to 4000 kms. SFC is the joint command of the country's nuclear weapons handling tri-service i.e. Army, Air Force, and Navy, which is directly under the PMO. Earlier, India successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface nuclear capable Agni-V ballistic missile. As per experts and several reports, the missile has a range of 5000 to 5500 kms.
In a brief statement, the defence ministry said the test was carried out at around 7:30 pm.
It said the successful test of Agni-4 reaffirms India's policy of having a "credible minimum deterrence" capability.
"A successful training launch of an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-4, was carried out at approximately 1930 hours on June 6 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha," the ministry said.
"The successful test was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," it added.
The ministry said the launch validated all operational parameters as also the reliability of the system.
"The successful test reaffirms India's policy of having a 'credible minimum deterrence' capability," it said.
(With PTI Inputs)