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Bhubaneswar, India (AFP) Dec 10, 2010 India's maiden test of an upgraded version of its nuclear-capable, medium-range Agni-II ballistic missile ended in failure Friday, when the missile dropped into the Bay of Bengal. The surface-to-surface "Agni-II plus" was fired from a mobile rail launcher on Wheeler Island off the coast of the western state of Orissa. "Shortly after initial take off, it deviated from its course and fell into the sea," an official with the Defence Research and Development Organisation said. "The data and details are being studied to see exactly what went wrong" the official told AFP. The missile has two stages, both fuelled by solid propellants. Capable of carrying a one-tonne conventional or nuclear warhead, Agni-II is one of a series of missiles being developed as a deterrent strategy against India's nuclear-armed neighbours China and Pakistan. It has a normal range of 2,000-2,500 kilometers (1,250-1,500 miles) and India has already successfully tested an Agni-III variant with a reach of up to 3,000-3,500 kilometers. The upgraded "Agni-II plus" has an improved navigation system and is aimed at bridging the gap between the two with a range of around 2,500-3,000 kilometers.
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Taiwan confirms mass producing cruise missilesTaipei (AFP) Dec 9, 2010 Taiwan has confirmed for the first time that it is mass-producing cruise missiles, despite fast warming ties with China. "Mass production of indigenous weapons like the ones under the code names of 'Chichun' (Lance Hawk) and 'Chuifeng' (Chasing Wind) is very smooth," Deputy Defence Minister Chao Shih-chang told parliament Wednesday. "The problems with key parts and components that had pr ... read more |
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