India tested two surface-to-air Trishul missiles Monday in the eastern state of Orissa, a day after a similar launch from the site, defence officials said.
The Trishul (Trident) tests come after New Delhi's nuclear-capable Agni III ballistic missile, with a range of 4,000 kilometres (2,480 miles), failed during a trial launch earlier this month.
The Trishul is designed for use by the army, airforce and the navy and can carry a 15-kilogram (33-pound) conventional warhead up to nine kilometers (5.5 miles).
All three Trishul launches were from the Chandipur-on-Sea range, 200 kilometres (124 mies) northeast of the Orissa capital of Bhubaneshwar, officials said. They declined to say whether the tests were successful.
The Trishul has previously undergone tests for its sea-skimming role and also against land-based and airborne targets.
India has stepped up the testing of three of the five guided-missile systems it developed as part of an ambitious programme launched in 1983 to become self-reliant in missile technology.
India, which tested a series of nuclear devices in 1998, has already developed and deployed two ballistic missiles and a surface missile.
Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, and frequently test-fire missiles. Under an agreement, each side is notified in advance of missile tests.
