India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-II ballistic missile: media

NEW DELHI, May 4 (Xinhua) — India test-fired a nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile on Thursday, state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) reported.

The missile was fired from wheeler Island, off the coast in eastern state of Odisha.

According to the broadcaster, the missile has a strike range of 2,000 km.

The broadcaster quoted defense sources as saying the test was aimed at re-establishing the operational effectiveness of the weapon system.

“The successful launch once again proved reliability of the medium range surface-to-surface missile,” AIR reported.

“The missile can carry a nuclear payload of 1,000 kg.”

Agni missile series is being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization.

Defense analysts said the missiles form India’s most sophisticated weapons.