'Shourya', K-15 nuclear capable missile tested

{image-K15indian missile_12112008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Balasore, Nov 12: For the first time a nuclear-capable 'Shourya' a K-15 missile was successfully test fired from land using the launching complex-III of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 kms from here on Wednesday, Nov 12. The submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) made under the K-15 project had already been tested successfully from underwater platform twice in the past. The missile had been test-fired in the past from Pontoon (replica of a submarine) placed inside sea off the Andhra Pradesh coast and once from Orissa coast. ITR sources said the 10.2 metre long missile, having a solid propellant in two stages, with a range of 700 kms, was test fired from Chandipur Launch complex-III at 1126 hours.

The authority had issued a cautionary notice asking the mariners to keep away from the area in the Bay of Bengal in view of the test. The district administration also, as a precautionary measure, temporarily evacuated residents and the livestock from surrounding villages within a radius of three kms from the ITR.

ITR sources said the objective of today's test fire was to assess the full range performance of the missile from the mobile ground launcher and other parameters.

Villagers residing in Jaaydevkasbapahi, Sahajinagar Pahi, Bhimpurpahi, Khadu Pahi and Kusmuli Pahi were evacuated to temporary centres and paid a total compensation of Rs 6.5 lakh prior to the test fire of the missile from the ITR.

UNI