India conducts second test launch of new nuclear-capable ballistic missile

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted another test launch of its ‘Agni P’ nuclear-capable medium-range ballistic missile.

The latest launch was conducted on 18 December from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of the eastern state of Odisha, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a media release the same day. The missile type was first tested in June 2021 at the same location.

The ‘Agni P’ is a variant of India’s Agni class of ballistic missiles. The solid-fuelled weapon is guided by ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation systems, weighs about 25 tonnes, and has a range of between 1,000 and 2,000 km.

The second missile deployed in the test launch was described by the MoD as having “many additional features” when compared with the first missile. However, no further details on these were provided.