Stage set for first night trial of Agni-I today

Bhubaneswar: Preparations by the Defence Ministry's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) for the first night trial of Agni-I ballistic missile on Tuesday from the Wheeler Island off Odisha coast is in its final stage, said sources.

The SFC will conduct the test of as part of user trial with the help of the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile, which can strike a target over 700 km away, can carry both conventional and nuclear payload of about 1000 kg. This 15-meter long and 1-metre wide missile weighs 12 tonne, source added.

It could be fired anytime between 6 to 9.30 pm if the weather condition remains conducive, they said.

Agni was first test-fired from the same base on January 25, 2002. Although several trials of the missile has been conducted since then, this is the first time a night trial of Agni-I is being conducted.

The missile which has already been inducted in the army, can be fired from both road and rail mobile launchers.

It uses a solid propulsion booster and a liquid propulsion upper stage.