India tests anti-aircraft missile for the third time in three days

BHUBANESWAR, India (AFP) Jun 24, 2003
India on Tuesday fired a surface-to-air missile for the third time in as many days in a clear indication of stepped up tests of the domestically-designed weapons system.

The Trishul (Trident) missile was launched from a national missile range in the eastern Indian state of Orissa at 1:20 pm (0730 GMT), officials from the site said, describing the test as a "success."

Tuesday's launch of the Trishul, India's version of the US-made Patriot missile, was the third since Sunday.

The missile -- one of the five developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation since 1983 -- is powered by solid fuel and can deliver a 15-kilogram (33-pound) warhead up to nine kilometres (five miles) away.

The missile is being developed for the army, navy and the air force.

The test came amid reports the Indian government was scrapping the development of the Trishul as its guidance system did not work.

SPACE.WIRE