N-capable Prithvi II Missile

India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, as part of a user trial by the army. The missile test was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.

About the missile:

• Prithvi-II is indigenously developed nuclear capable surface-to-surface missile with a strike range of 350 km.
• The missile is thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines.
• It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.
• It is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program).
• The missile is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads.
• It was inducted into India’s armed forces in 2003.

Integrated Guided Missile Programme

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was formed in 1983 with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in missile development & production and today comprises of five core missile programs. The program has given India the capability to produce indigenous missiles in other key areas.

In India IGMDP comprises of following missiles developed by DRDO:

(i) Surface to surface missile: Prithvi

(ii) Surface to air medium range missile: Akash

(iii) Anti-tank missile: Nag

(iv) Surface-to-air short range missile: Trishul

(v) Intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM): Agni

By: Vishal