India today successfully test-fired nuclear-capable surface-to-surface anti-ballistic Prithvi-II missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea off Odisha coast. The indigenously developed missile with a maximum range of 350 km, was test-fired from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex number three of IITR at 10.41 this morning.

Defence sources said the state-of-the-art missile, which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads. It is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines and uses advanced inertial guidance system with maneuvering trajectory.

The sophisticated missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the entire launch activities were carried out by Strategic Force Command and monitored by scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of training exercise.The missile trajectory was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha.

Prithvi II, which was inducted into the Strategic Force Command in 2003, is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and is now a proven technology. The last user trials of Prithvi-II were successfully carried out from the same base on 7th January and 28th March this year.