India on Friday successfully test-fired Prithvi-II ballistic missile in Chandipur, Odisha. The test was conducted as part of a user trial by the Army. According to media reports, the trial of the surface-to-surface missile was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR).
Teams on board the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown.
The missile is a joint initiative of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
According to a report in NewsX, the test was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with logistics support from DRDO. The missile covered the desired striking range and met all mission objectives successfully,” said an official.
“Scientists witnessed the launch. This launch in effect confirms the capabilities and dependability of the Prithvi Weapon System in strategic role,” reads the DRDO website.
Here’s what you need to know about the Prithvi-II missile:
- It has a strike range of 350 km and is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads.
- It is trusted by liquid propulsion twin engines.
- The Prithvi-II missile is made from aluminum alloy and with its wings fashioned from magnesium. It has been inducted into the 333-missile regiment of the Indian Army.
- In November last year, two Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test fired in quick succession from the same base.
- It stands at a height of 8.56 metres with a diameter of 110 centimeters and weighs about 4,600 kilograms.
