19.6.10

Prithvi-II tested successfully

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) on Friday successfully carried out the test firing of Prithvi-II, the nuclear capable indigenous ballistic missile, off the Orissa coast. The tri-service SFC looks after most of the strategic weapons that can deliver nuclear warheads. Prithvi-II took off from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, some 15 kilometres off the Orissa coast, at 6.50 am. “The trial of Prithvi-II, conducted by the Army, has gone through nicely,” ITR director SP Dash told reporters. The user trial was carried out by military officers who are part of the SFC, and was primarily meant to have them acquaint themselves with the missile.
Prithvi-II, fired from a mobile launcher, has a maximum range of 350 kilometres, and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg. It is a single-stage missile that uses liquid fuel.Prithvi-II is the advanced version of Prithvi, the first ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It is capable of carrying conventional warheads, and is also nuclear capable. However, the short-range ballistic missile is no longer a key nuclear delivery means for India.

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