India successfully test-fired indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha as part of a user trial by defence forces. The surface-to-surface missile was test-fired at around 10:05 AM from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range.
Describing the launch of the sophisticated missile as a complete success, ITR Director M V K V Prasad said all the mission parameters were met during the trial.
“The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the launch activities were carried out by the specially formed Strategic Force Command (SFC) and monitored by scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of training exercise.”
“The missile trajectory was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha,” they said.
“The downrange teams onboard a ship deployed near the designated impact point in Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown,” they said.
Inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command in 2003, Prithvi, the first missile developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program), is now a proven technology.
The launch was part of a regular training exercise of SFC and was monitored by DRDO scientists.
Prithvi is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.