Indiaon Saturday successfully conducted the first night trial of Agni-II, the versatilesurface-to-surface medium-range nuclear-capable missile. The trial wasconducted from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. This was the first timethat the sophisticated missile was test-fired at night.

Accordingto reports, the test was carried out by the specially formed Strategic ForcesCommand (SFC) of the Indian Army with logistic support from the DefenceResearch and Development Organisation (DRDO).

It maybe mentioned here that the Agni-II is an intermediate-range ballistic missile(IRBM) and has already been inducted into the armed forces. The two-stageballistic missile can carry a payload of 1000 kg over a distance of 2000 km.