India Just Test-Fired Prithvi-II Missile. Here’s Why It’s a Milestone

All you need to know about Prithvi II, India's indigenous missile and its test-fire in Chandipur, Odisha.

By Mandar Pandhare

May 18, 2016

Prithvi II, an indigenously developed nuclear missile, was successfully test-fired by the Indian army as a part of the user army trial from the test range of Chandipur, Odisha. It is a single-stage liquid-fuelled missile, having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg, but with an extended range of 250 km.

The trial was carried out through a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at around 9:40 in the morning.

Here are 5 things you need to know about Prithvi II:

prithvi1

1)Prithvi II has an extended strike range of 350 km and is capable of carrying 500 to 1000 kg of warheads.

2)Prithvi II was inducted in the Indian Army in the year 2003 and is the first missile to be developed by Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

3)The last user trial for Prithvi II took place on February 16, 2016 from the same test range and it was successful.

4)In the recent test, which happened in February, the missile was launched at an increased range of 350 km and with improved navigation features.

5)Prithvi II, which is a 9 metre tall missile, also has features to deceive anti-ballistic missiles and it uses advanced inertial guidance system with maneuvering trajectory to hit its target.

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