India's cruise missile Nirbhay's maiden test fails

Early today India's trial of its first indigenous cruise missile Nirbhay had to be terminated halfway today, when the missile deviated from its course about 20 minutes after launch.

As the missile went off its flight trajectory, its engine was cut off to bring it down to ensure coastal safety. It fell near the coast; the Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO said no one was injured.

The test failed, but the DRDO, which has developed the missile, said the mission was successful. "The long range cruise missile Nirbhay was successfully launched today at 1150 hours from launch complex, Chandipur, Odisha,  meeting the basic mission objectives successfully. After travelling approximately mid-way, deviations were observed from its intended course. Further, flight was terminated to ensure coastal safety," it said in a statement.