AFP, India Wednesday successfully tested a naval version of its Prithvi-III nuclear-capable medium range ballistic missile, defence sources said.
The test of the indigenously built Prithvi (earth)-III missile took place at the Chandipur-on-Sea test range in the eastern state of Orissa, the sources said.
The missile has a strike range of 250 to 300 kilometres (156 to 188 miles). It was test-fired from a simulated launch pad at around 11.29 am (0559 GMT).
Part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), Prithvi-III has the latest on-board computer and an advanced inertial navigation system.
The 8.5-metre (28-foot) Prithvi missile can be tipped with incendiary and fragmentary munitions or can carry a sub-kiloton nuclear warhead for use against troops or armoured formations.
It can be launched either from a ship or submarine and is capable of destroying land targets.
Nuclear-capable India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars, two over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir, routinely carry out missile tests.
Wednesday's test comes just days after Pakistan on October 12 conducted its fourth test this year of its nuclear-capable Ghauri missile, which can hit targets deep inside India.
Early Wednesday, local authorities temporarily evacuated over 2,000 people from four four hamlets near the Chandipur-on-Sea test site as a precautionary measure.
