The Indian Army’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has successfully test-fired two nuclear-capable missiles.
The Prithvi-II missile was tested from an integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur near the Odisha coast.
Bearing a strike range of 350km, the missile was launched from a mobile launcher of the ITR’s launch complex III.
A source was quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) as saying: "The trial data of the missile conducted by SFC shows positive results."
"The surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile is capable of carrying 500kg to 1,000kg of warheads, and is thrusted by liquid-propulsion twine engines."
The test was monitored by scientists from the defence research and development organisation (DRDO).
The missile trajectory was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations situated on the coast of Odisha, according to the source.
The Prithvi-II missile was originally developed for the Indian Air Force, and entered operational service with the SFC in 2003.
Powered by solid propellants, the surface-to-surface Agni-I missile was test-fired from an ITR mobile launcher at Abdul Kalam Island.
Conducted as part of SFC training exercise, defence sources noted the trial to be a ‘perfect launch’.
Agni-I is designed to bridge the gap between the short-range Prithvi and medium-range Agni-II missiles.
The 15m-long Agni-I missile weighs around 12t, and is capable of carrying a combined conventional and nuclear payload of nearly 1t.
Image: The Prithvi-II missile being launched from Chandipur Range in Odhisa, India. Photo: courtesy of SFC.
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