Prithvi-II: India Successfully Test Fires Missile From Chandipur

India test-fired Prithvi-II missile successfully on Wednesday. The short-range surface-to-surface missile is indigenously developed nuclear capable. Prithvi-II missile was tested from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.

This test clearly registers India’s operational eagerness to meet any eventuality. Prithvi-II, it is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program), it was drafted  into India’s armed forces in 2003 and now it is a proven technology.

The missile is 8.56 metre in length and has a twin-engine. It is 1.1 metre in width and weighs 4,600 kg. It is specially designed for battlefield as it has a flight duration of 483 seconds and altitude of 43.5km. The missile can take down enemy missile successfully. Prithvi is the first indigenously built ballistic missile made in India.

The missile has been designed in such way that it will operate in both liquid and solid fuels. Prithvi-II can carry conventional as well as nuclear payloads.

On February 16, 2016, the last user trial of Prithvi-II was conducted successfully which was preceded by a trial on November 14, 2014.

18 May 2016
Avni S. Singh