In a clear boost to India’s defense preparedness, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) scientists today successfully test fired the nuclear weapons capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-IV from Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast.

The missile, which can hit objects at a distance of more than 3000 km, zeroed in on to the pre-designated target in the Bay of Bengal with precision sharp accuracy after a 20-minute flight. 

The missile can carry nuclear warheads of 1000 kg but today it was test fired with a pay load of 800 kg to give the missile better range. The 20 meter-tall missile, weighing about 17 tonnes, has a two stage motor system.

The path of the test-fired missile was tracked by the radars, telemetry and electro-optical instruments until its splash down on the object. 

The test firing of the missile took place in the presence of Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister V.K. Saraswat, DRDO Chief Controller Avinash Chander and Advanced Systems Laboratory Director Sekharan. 
DRDO is now planning to test-launch Agni - V by the end of the year, according to Dr Saraswat.