India took a major leap in missile defence capability when it successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II at night. The medium…
(Photo: DRDO)
India took a major leap in missile defence capability when it successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II at night.
The medium range missile was fired off the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on sea in Odisha at 8.30 pm on Wednesday, 20 February.
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The indigenous missile can hit targets as far as 350 km away and can carry a nuclear payload of 500-1,000 kg.
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Wednesday’s test was closely monitored by electro-optical tracking systems, radars and other tracking systems. The missile hit the target with precise accuracy.
“The night trial is highly significant as all preparations are done in dark so that it can be invisible to enemies. This was first trial of Prithvi-II during night and it has met all mission parameters as coordinated,” the New Indian Express quoted a defence official as saying.
Powered by liquid propulsion twin engines, the Prithvi-II is 8.56 metres long and weighs around 4,600 kg. It is the first missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) of the DRDO.
Indian Air Force (IAF) is the primary user of the missile and it forms part of India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) – part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
Inducted in 2003, the missile is frequently tested for operational readiness. The last test of the missile was carried out on 7 February.
Two days ago, India had successfully test-fired the Agni-II Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Abdul Kalam Island at 8.38 am.
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