India today successfully test-fired its home-grown long range intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-IV from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island off Odisha coast at 11:50 hrs today. <br/><br/>Quoting Defence sources AIR correspondent reports that Agni-IV test is aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in Agni-IV system and checking the readiness of armed forces to launch the missile on its own. <br/><br/>Agni-IV is a two-stage, surface-to-surface missile that is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes. It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometre. Compared to the Pershing missile of the US in terms of technology, Agni-IV has many cutting-edge technologies which can meet global standards. <br/><br/>The missile can be fired from locations deeper in the Indian hinterland, making it very difficult for the enemy to track and destroy it. The missile also possesses a submarine launch capability. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed and developed AGNI-IV, is the sixth test of the missile and second user associate launch from the Wheeler Island. On December 26, India had successfully launched its longest range Agni-V missile which drew attention of many nations including China.