India To Test Intercontinental Missile

April 16, 2012

India is reportedly set to test-fire a new long-range nuclear-capable missile this week.

If successful, the test would bring India into a small club of countries that possess the technology for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Media reports quoted officials as saying scientists were preparing to test-fire the Agni-V, with a range of more than 5,000 kilometers, between April 18 and April 20.

Only the permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States -- along with Israel, are believed to have such long distance missiles.

The test will be carried out from a coastal range in the eastern state of Orissa.

The launch will be carefully watched, in particular by India's nuclear-armed rivals China and Pakistan.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/india_to_test-fire_icbm/24550122.html

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