India successfully test fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Apr 15, IRNA - India on Wednesday successfully test fired a version of nuclear-capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile with a range of 350 kms from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore in Orissa.
The indigenously developed surface-to-surface ballistic missile was test fired at around 1020 hours IST (Indian Standard Time) from a mobile launcher as part of a user trial by the army. Defence sources said, the 200-250 km range Prithvi designed for quick maneuverability and war-time efficiency soared into the clear blue sky hitting the built-up target.
The missile could be used as a tactical battlefield weapon. Although it has a range of 250 km with a 700 kg warhead, the payload could be increased to 1,000 kg.
The test firing of the short-range ballistic missile was a user trial by the army. The surface-to-surface missile has already been inducted into the army and is handled by the army unit attached to the strategic force command special group.
The first test firing of Prithvi missile was conducted on February 22, 1988, from the Rocket-launching Centre of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Since then several test fires had been conducted in the ITR.
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