India tests its first cruise missile

India's Air Force on Tuesday conducted the first launch of Nirbhay cruise missile. The test was successful, news agencies said.

As many as 453 families were evacuated prior to the launch for safety reasons. The missile was launched from the Chandipur test site in the state of Orissa in eastern India. The missile struck the sea-based target.

Nirbhay missile (Fearless) had been developed by India's Defence Research since 2007. The range of the missile makes up about a 1,000 kilometers. It can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.