The Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile intercepted a modified version of the surface-to-surface Prithvi-1 (earth-1) missile, said a defence official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"The test was successful," said another defence official associated with the test.

The weapons were fired from the Chandipur-on-Sea and Wheeler Island testing sites in eastern Orissa state.

More than 5,000 people were evacuated from the Chandipur-on-Sea launch site ahead of the test, officials said.

The AAD is a new interceptor missile developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan routinely carry out missile tests and normally notify each other in advance.

The two nations, which have fought three wars, two of them over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, have embarked on a peace process aimed at normalising relations.

Agencies

Güncelleme Tarihi: 06 Aralık 2007, 12:46