,
Bhubaneswar: India Sunday successfully tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a test range in the eastern state of Orissa, defence sources said.
The test of the Prithvi-1 missile took place at the Chandipur-on-sea test site about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northeast of Orissa's state capital, Bhubaneswar. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher at 9:55 am (0425 GMT) Sunday, the sources said.
The 8.5-meter (28-foot) surface-to-surface missile covers 150 kilometers in 300 seconds and has a range of up to 250 kilometers.
The test was part of an air defence exercise and trials of the missile are likely to be carried out next week as well, the sources said.
Nuclear-capable India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars, two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir, routinely carry out missile tests and normally notify each other in advance under an agreement.
The missile, which can carry conventional or low-yield nuclear warheads, was last tested on June 11 this year. The missile is designed for battlefield use against troops or armoured formations.
Prior to the test, local authorities temporarily evacuated more than 2,700 people from nearby areas.
