Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II missile test fired from Odisha

Indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile was successfully test-fired from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.
Missile test: It was carried out by Strategic Force Command (SFC) from a mobile launcher at launch complex-3 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.
About Prithvi-II Missile

• Prithvi-II is a tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is the first missile indigenously developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
• Powered by: Can operate with both liquid and solid fuel twine engines.
• Warheads: Capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of nuclear as well as conventional warheads.
• Strike Range: It has strike range of 350 km.
• It has the ability to dodge enemy missiles and uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
• It has advanced inertial navigation, control and guidance system. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.
• The missile was inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003.
• Variants: Prithvi-I for the Indian Army; Prithvi-II for the Indian Air Force; and the Dhanush for the Indian Navy.

The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully conducted on February 16, 2016 from the same test range in Odisha.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016