Indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired

India’s indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile had been successfully test-fired from the Chandipur, Odisha.

Key Highlights

• Prithvi II is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads.
• It has a strike range of 350 km.
• It is a surface to surface medium range ballistic missile.
• Scientists from Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) had monitored its activities.
• The Strategic Force Command (SFC) had checked its performance and launched activities.
• The missile test was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR).
• It is thruster by liquid impulsion twin engines.
• Under India’s prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program) Prithvi II is the first missile to be developed by DRDO
• Prithvi II is developed for theIndian Air Force.
• It has aninertial navigation system which will help in improved navigation.
• It was firstly test-fired on January 27, 1996 and then the development stages were completed in 2004.
• Prithvi II was introduced into India’s Strategic Forces Command in 2003.

About Strategic Force Command

• TheStrategic Forces Command (SFC) is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons supply.
• SFC is also known asStrategic Nuclear Command as a part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
• It was established on January 4, 2003.
• Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana became its first commander-in-chief.
• SFC manages and administers all strategic forces.