"The missile was tracked by various telemetry stations, electro optic systems and radars located along the coast, Port Blair (in Andaman and Nicobar islands) and by the downrange ships positioned near the target location. The data from the various stations is transmitted in real time through an advanced communication network of DRDO (Defence Research and Deevelopment Organisation) for online performance evaluation and range safety," the statement said.

Agni-III, one of the Agni series missiles, is a two stage solid propellant missile with a length 17 metres, diameter of 2 metres and launch weight of 50 tonnes.

The missile re-enters the atmosphere at very high velocity and then faces a deceleration of more than 35 times the force of gravity, raising its temperature above 2,500 degrees Celsius. The payload is protected by a carbon-carbon all composite heat shield.

This was the third test of the missile. The first test, from the same defence base on July 9, 2006 was unsuccessful - the second stage of the rocket had failed to separate from the missile quickly enough and the missile had fallen short of its target.

The DRDO-developed missile was tested again on April 12, 2007 and was successful this time.