India successfully tests nuclear capable, Prithvi-II missile
20 Dec 2012
India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile having a strike range of 350 km from a test range at Chandipur near Balasore in Orissa.
The test firing of the surface-to-surface missile was carried out from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of Integrated Test Range at about 9:21 am, according to defence sources quoted by the PTI.
They added, the launch of the sophisticated missile, conducted as part of operational exercise by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the defence services, had been successful they said.
According to the sources, the missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the total launch activities were carried out by the specially formed SFC and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of practice drill.
The DRDO developed Prithvi-II missile, has already been inducted into the Indian armed forces.
Prithvi, the first missile developed under India's prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), has the capacity of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is propelled by liquid propulsion twin engines, using advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.
The same base had also been the site of the last successful trial of Prithvi-II on 4 October, 2012.