India launches 1st nuclear-capable missile
It's not a threat and shouldn't be seen as such', that's the clear message from the Indian government as the country's test launched its first nuclear-capable missile. So here's the science bit: it's called the Agni V and has a range of more than 5,000 kilometres, meaning it could hit deep into China and reach Eastern Europe. The missile blasted through the clouds in the early hours off India's east coast to great fanfare, the country's President Manmohan Singh thanking the scientists who made it happen. The flexing of muscles in the missile department comes just days after North Korea tried to do the same thing. That ended in a well-documented flop. And despite memories of the war between India and China 50 years ago, China shrugged off the launch, with its state broadcaster effectively congratulating the 'historic moment' for India, saying it had 'joined the club' of countries that own ballistic missiles. NATO also agreed that the missile is not a threat. India recognises it has a long way to go – at least 4 or 5 more trials apparently - before it could ever be part of their active defence systems. But there's no doubt the race to show prowess when it comes to long range weapons in Asia is most definitely on.
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