India tests successfully new intercontinental ballistic missile Agni-5

On Sunday, India launched a new long-range ballistic missile Agni-5, which can carry a nuclear warhead. Local media report the launch was made at 08:43 local time /07:13 Moscow time/ from Wheeler Island. The family of Indian Agni ballistic missiles is made under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of the country’s defence ministry. Agni-5’s weight is 50 tonnes, length - 17.5 metres, diameter - two metres. The first tests of the version are due in early 2014, later another three-four launches are to be made, and after those the country will begin regular production of the ballistic missiles of the kind.