India test fires 'Akash' nuke missile for third day

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Dec 15, IRNA

India-Missile

India Saturday successfully test fired the indigenously developed surface-to-air nuclear capable 'Akash' missile, for the third consecutive day, from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from Balasore in eastern province of Orissa.

The multi-target medium range missile with a strike range of 25 kms and capable of carrying a warhead of 50 kg was test fired at 1510 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) from a mobile launcher as part of an air defence exercise, PTI reported quoting Indian defense sources.

The missile targeted a flying "para barrel" target released from an aircraft, they said, adding three more trials were expected to be conducted in about a week to pave the way for induction of Akash into the Indian Air Force.

After successful trials of interceptor missiles, the test-fire was carried out to fine-tune the sophisticated Akash, which has undergone several tests earlier as part of the India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

The 700 kg and 5.6-meter-long missile uses an integral "Ramjet" rocket propulsion system and has a low reaction time, defense sources said.

2166**2322**1412