India successfully tests undersea launched missile

New Delhi (PTI): India on Tuesday successfully test fired its first-ever undersea nuclear capable ballistic missile off the eastern coastal city of Vishakahpatnam, catapulting it to the select band of five countries equipped with the technology.

The missile K-15, with a range of 700 kms, was test fired from a pontoon immersed in the sea at 1258 hours and eyewitnesses saw the missile rising from the waters into the sky.

"The test firing was successful," sources said as DRDO awaited the final evaluations from warships in the sea.

This was the first full-fledged test of the missile, of which defence scientists had earlier carried out three to four dry runs.

The test was undertaken from a submerged pontoon as India does not have a submarine capable to undertake firing of such missiles, official sources said.