N-capable Prithvi-II passes random test with flying colours

India this morning successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Prithvi-II nuclear weapons capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile for its full range of 350 km from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.

The indigenously-developed missile was picked up randomly from the production lot and launched by the personnel of the Strategic Force Command (SFC) as part of routine user training. The missile was monitored by scientists of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Prithvi-II missile, developed by the DRDO, has already been inducted into the Indian Army.

According to DRDO officials, the missile was launched at 9.15 am and it zeroed in on the pre-designated target in the Bay of Bengal with all systems working perfectly. "It was a text-book launch," an official said.

All the radars, telemetry stations and electro-optical systems along the East Coast tracked the missile until the final splash down in the sea.

The Prithvi programme's director Adalat Ali and project director N Siva Subramanyam oversaw the launch operations in the presence of senior technocrats and armed forces officials.

The Prithvi is the first missile developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is capable of carrying 500-1000 kg warheads and powered by liquid propulsion twin engines, using an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.

The last user trial of the Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on on 20 December 2012.