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News:India has conducted the first night trial of nuclear capable long-range ballistic missile Agni-III.
Facts:
About Agni-III:
- Agni-III is an intermediate range nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
- The missile has been developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization).
- The missile has a strike range of 3,000 km to 5,000 km and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.
- The missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant engine.It is 17 metres long with two-metre diameter and weighs around 2,200 kg.
- It is equipped with a hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer.
- The trial was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army with logistic support from the DRDO.
Additional information:
About Strategic Forces Command:
- The Strategic Forces Command(SFC) was created in 2003.It is a part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority(NCA).
- It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
About Nuclear Command Authority(NCA):
- Nuclear Command Authority is India’s nodal authority responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme.
- It has an Executive Council which is headed by National Security Advisor.
- It gives input to the Political Council headed by the Prime Minister.The Political Council authorizes a nuclear attack if need be.
