India successfully test-fires nuclear capable Prithvi-II missiles

Bhubaneswar: India successfully conducted twin trials of its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha on Monday.

The test was carried out by specially formed strategic force command and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The trial launch was held at about 9.35 from a mobile launcher from a launch complex of the Integrated Test Range (ITR), said sources.

The medium range surface to surface ballistic missiles were test fired in a salvo mode as part of a user trial.

The missiles have a strike range of 350 km and are capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrust by liquid propulsion twin engines. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with maneuvering trajectory to hit its target.

The nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fueled Prithvi-II has been inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003 and is the first missile to be developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.