Agni-III, a long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, has failed its first night test. The test was carried out at the Integrated Test Range at APJ Abdul Kalam Island near Odisha coast.

Agni-III Test

• The Agni-III missile fell into the ocean after the first stage split.
• In the initial flight, the missile covered a distance of 115 km, but soon it deviated from its path.
• According to preliminary investigations, the missile lost its way due to a construction flaw.
• The test was conducted as a user trial for the Indian Army. The trajectory for this missile test was fixed at 2800 km.

About Agni-III Missile

• The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

• This missile was inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in 2011. This missile covers all major cities of China and Pakistan.

• This missile uses solid propellant in two stages. It is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads.