Sources also said there would be two more test flights of the Agni-II intermediate range ballistic missile (2,000 km-plus range). The missile has failed two previous test flights, in May and November this year.

Dhanush

Dhanush is essentially the land-based Prithvi missile and assumes its name because of the system that has been developed to deploy it onboard naval ships. The Dhanush system consists of a hydraulically stabilized launch pad (Bow) and the missile (Arrow).

Prithvi III was first tested in 2000 from INS Subhadra (P51), a Sukanya class large patrol craft. The missile was launched from an updated, reinforced helicopter deck of the vessel.

INS Subhadra and INS Suvarna are the two vessels that have been modified to carry the Dhanush stabilizer for the Prithvi missile. The helicopter decks of these vessels have been converted into missile launch pads.

These decks have been strengthened and have a hydraulically-stabilised, rail-mounted platform installed, along with a missile erector. Two missiles are housed in the helicopter hangar and wheeled out for launch. A portable console fitted on board feeds the missile guidance parameters before launch.

It is unlikely that the missile may have any operational role, and may only be a technology demonstrator, required to test a range of technologies that will eventually be needed to launch ballistic missiles at sea.