India to test long-range missile

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NEW DELHI, April 17 (UPI) -- India is preparing to test launch its newest longest-range, nuclear-capable missile, military officials said.

The Agni V missile, which is capable of traveling more than 3,100 miles, may be launched as soon as Wednesday and Friday, CNN reported.

In November, India launched the Agni IV, which had a range of more than 2,100 miles, said Ravi Gupta, spokesman for India's Defense Research and Development Organization.

"It's the most advanced missile so far," Gupta said of the fifth version of the missile.

The Agni V will undergo several tests more before it becomes fully operational.

Gupta also said India's military program is not pursuing aggressive missile designs.

"Our missiles are purely for deterrence," he said, adding that the country has a "no-first-use" policy.