Why in news? India carries out successful test launch of Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha

Highlights

• Prithvi-II missile has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence and can strike its target with high accuracy
• Development and deployment of this series has been a significant achievement for India’s indigenous Defence industry, as well as the DRDO
• The missile’s accuracy is considered to be high and it is equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems.

Background

• In 1983, the Indian government initiated the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program to become self-sufficient in the production and development of a variety of missiles, including ballistic and surface-to-air missiles.
• Prithvi was the first missile developed under this programme.

About Prithvi II

• Surface-to-surface
• Type: Short-range ballistic missile
• Designer: DRDO
• Warhead: High explosives, penetration, cluster munitions, fragmentation, thermo baric, chemical weapon and tactical nuclear weapon
• Engine: Single-stage liquid rocket
• Propellant: Liquid fuel
• Operational range: 250–350 km
• Missile features measures to deceive anti-ballistic missiles.