Published on: January 11, 2023

Prithvi II

Prithvi II


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.