India Successfully Test-fired Prithvi-II Ballistic Missile from Odisha Coast
On 15 June, 2022, India has successfully test fired Prithvi-II, a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, at Chandipur, Odisha.
Prithvi-II Missile
Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed surface to-surface short- range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of about 250-350 km and it can carry one ton payload. The Prithvi-II class is a single-stage liquid-propellant missile, with a
range of 500–1000 kg warhead mounting capability.
This missile system is capable of hitting targets with a very high degree of accuracy. The state-of- the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with efficient trajectory to hit its target. It was initially developed as the primary user for the Indian Air Force and was later inducted into the Indian Army.
While the missile was first inducted into India's Strategic Forces Command in 2003, it was the first missile developed under the IGMDP. It has been manufactured under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Prithvi Missile
The Prithvi missile system consists of various tactical surface-to- surface short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). Its development was started in the year 1983 and it was India's first indigenous ballistic missile. Its first test was done in the year 1988 from SHAR Center, Sriharikota. Its range is 150-300 km.
The naval variant of Prithvi-I and Prithvi-III class missiles is code- named Dhanush. The propulsion technology was based on the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.
Prithvi-I missile is serving in the Indian Army since the year 1994. Reportedly, Prahaar missiles are being replaced with Prithvi missiles. Prithvi-II missiles are in service since the year 1996. Prithvi- III with a more extended range of 350 km was l successfully test-fired in the year 2004.
The three missiles of the Prithvi series are Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II, Prithvi-III. Their range is up to 150, 350 and 600 km respectively.