India test fires nuclear-capable missile

updated 5:05 a.m. ET Nov. 7, 2004

BHUBANESHWAR, India - India on Sunday tested a nuclear-capable ship-launched missile off its eastern coast, an official said.

The Dhanush missile, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, was launched from an Indian navy ship in the Bay of Bengal, the official said on condition of anonymity.

With a strike range of 156 miles, the missile can carry a load of 1,100 pounds, he said.

“Dhanush,” which means “bow” in the Hindi language, was tested from the ship INS Subhadra some 20 miles away from India’s missile testing site at Chandipur-on-Sea in the eastern state of Orissa. The site is 750 miles southeast of New Delhi.

The Dhanush is one of five types of missiles being developed by the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization.

India’s missile arsenal also includes the short-range ballistic Prithvi, the medium-range Agni, the anti-tank Nag and the supersonic Brahmos.

The Dhanush was a naval variant of the Prithvi missile, the official said.

Nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan routinely test-fire missiles they are developing for military use. When either country tests larger missiles they normally inform the other before the launch.

MORE FROM WORLD NEWS

World news Section Front

Obama: Climate deal ‘hangs in the balance’ NYT: Cartel ‘spies’ infiltrate U.S. customs Auschwitz ‘Work Sets You Free’ sign stolen   Hackers steal SKorean-US military secrets   Suspected US drone strike kills 3 in Pakistan   Mumbai gunman recants confession, alleges torture U.S. drug cartel crackdown misses the money Brazilian court rules boy stays for now Pakistan bars minister’s trip after ruling Top U.S. officer visits Afghan front lines   World news Section Front   Add World news headlines to your news reader: