India Tests Long-Range Nuclear Missile that Can Hit Targets in China

India has successfully carried out a fourth test of its nuclear-capable, intercontinental Agni-V missile, which can hit targets more than 5,000 kilometers away, effectively putting China's northernmost areas within range of Indian nuclear weapons.


The 17.5-meter-long, 50-ton surface-to-surface missile was test fired Monday from Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of the eastern Odisha state, and splashed down near Australian waters.

Ajay Lele, at New Delhi’s Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, says the test ensured the Agni-V missile is operational.

“After this, the missile will be handed over for the operationalization of it to India’s strategic forces command and they will undertake two tests and subsequently the missile will come into India’s armory,” said Lele.

Longer range

Earlier generations of Agni missiles, developed over the last decade, are capable of striking anywhere in Pakistan, India's neighbor and South Asian rival. The two countries have fought three wars and tensions continue to run high. Pakistan also possesses nuclear weapons.

Defense analysts say the longer-range Agni-V missile has been developed with an eye on China, which New Delhi also views as a threat.
 [voanews.com]
26/12/16
-
Related:

• India testfires nuclear-capable Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile

--

• China military buildup seen at India border
• China, India Agree to Pull Back Troops After Two-Week-Long Border Standoff (Reports)
• China’s Xi Jinping demands Army should be ready ‘to win regional war’
• China defends ‘all-weather ally’ Pakistan after PM Modi's 'mother-ship of terrorism’ remark
• China Warns Against Obama Meeting Dalai Lama
• Japan urged to be cautious with China-India territorial disputes

-

• Trump Wants to Expand US Nuclear Capabilities
• Pakistan Warns of Launching Nuclear Attack against India
• Nuclear arsenal is for defence, says Pakistan