Nuclear-capable ballistic missile Dhanush successfully test-fired: New Agni series missile programmes not soon
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    • Reports noted that India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable ballistic missile Dhanush on October 5 from a naval ship in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) spokesperson Ravi Kumar Gupta said, "The test was successful." Dhanush, with a pay-load capacity of 500 kg, is a naval version of the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Prithvi. It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads and can strike targets in the range of 350 km. The missile gives the Indian Navy the capability to strike enemy targets with great precision. Moreover, Dhanush can carry conventional or nuclear payload of 500-1,000 kg and hit both land and sea-based targets. 1
    In another development, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of DRDO excellence awards in Delhi, Defence Minister Shri AK Antony on October 1 indicated that India will first "stabilise" its present missile programmes before thinking of starting any project for having capabilities to strike targets at longer distances than the 5,500 km-range Agni-V. "Don't be impatient. Let the present Agni series stabilise," the minister said when asked if India was working on any programme such as Agni-6 after the success of 5,500 km-plus range Agni-5 earlier this year. While praising the contribution of DRDO in defence arena, Shri Antony advised stakeholders to adopt a consortium approach involving academic institutions and industries to act as a cohesive team to explore all aspects of nano-technology for development of missiles, aeronautics, armaments and combat vehicles. 2

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