News Highlights:
A successful training launch of a short-range ballistic missile Prithvi-II, was carried out on January 10 from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Key Takeaway:
Prithvi-II missile has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. The missile struck its target with high accuracy.
Prithivi-II Missile:
- About:
- Prithvi II is a single-stage missile that falls under the liquid fuelling category and is known to have a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg and a range of 250 km (160 mi).
- It is an indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).
- The missile is a proven system and is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision.
- The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with a manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
- Developed:
- The Prithvi Missile is an indigenously developed missile by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) under the flagship of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
Prithvi (missile):
- About:
- Prithvi (in Sanskrit Prithvi means Earth) is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
- It is deployed by India’s Strategic Forces Command.
- 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.
- Variants:
- The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
- The initial project framework of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program outlines the variants in the following manner.
- Prithvi I Army version, having a range of 150 km range with a payload of 1,000 kg
- Prithvi II Air Force version with 250 km range with a payload of 500 kg
- Prithvi III Naval version with 350 km range with a payload of 1,000 kg
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP):
- About:
- 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 programme was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government political organisations.
- The integrated guided missile programme was complete in, 2008.
- Missiles Developed:
- Prithvi (Short range surface to surface missile)
- Trishul (short range surface to air missile)
- Aakash (Medium range surface to air missile)
- Nag (Third generation anti-tank missile)
- Agni-I (Agni missile was later separated from the IGMDP due to its strategic importance).
Pic Courtesy: Freepik
Content Source: The Indian Express