Successful training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II

Why is in news? Successful training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II, carried out off Odisha coast

A successful training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II was carried out on January 10, 2023 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

A well-established system, Prithvi-II missile, has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. The missile struck its target with high accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), which has a range of around 250 km-350km and can carry a one tonne payload.

Prithvi II class is a single-stage liquid-fuelled missile that has warhead mounting capability of 500 kg-1000kg.

The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.

It was initially developed for the Indian Air Force as its primary user and was later inducted into the Indian Army as well.

While the missile was inducted into India's Strategic Forces Command for the first time in 2003, it was the first missile developed under the IGMDP.

Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under its Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

What are the Prithvi Missiles?

The Prithvi missile system comprises various tactical Surface - to - Surface Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM).

Its development began in 1983, and it was India’s first indigenous ballistic missile.

It was first test-fired in 1988, from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre.

It has a range of from 150 to 300 km.

The naval variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi III class missiles have the code-name Dhanush.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP):

IGMDP was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme to research and develop a comprehensive range of missiles.

The project started in 1982–1983 under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. This Programme made Dr APJ Abdul Kalam the missile man of India.

The integrated guided missile programme was complete in, 2008.

Five Missiles Developed under the IGMDP:

PRITHVI (Short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile)

AGNI (Medium to intercontinental surface-to-surface missile)

TRISHUL (Short range low-level surface-to-air missile)

AKASH (Surface-to-air missile having a range of up to 25 Km and multi-target handling system)

NAG (Third generation “fire & forget”, “top attack” anti-tank missile)