A missile unit of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) recently launched the indigenously developed surface-to-surface/nuclear capable Prithvi II missile with a strike range of around 350 km, from the test range at Chandipur, off the Odisha Coast.

It was a perfect text-book launch and the missile equipped with advanced high accuracy indigenously developed navigation and manoeuvring system, the missile achieved all its targeting and technical parameters, set out for this launch. The missile trajectory was tracked by the DRDO radars, electro- optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha. The downrange teams onboard the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal had monitored the terminal events and splashdown.

Inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command in 2003, the Prithvi II missile, the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) is now a proven technology. The launch was part of a regular training exercise of the SFC and was monitored by DRDO scientists. Programme Director, AD Adalat Ali, N. Siva Subramanyam, Project Director and others were present to oversee the launch operations.

The missile being based on a mobile transporter erector launcher vehicle is versatile and designed for quick manoeuvrability and high operational flexibility on the battlefield.

A SFC spokesman said, “Such successful training launches clearly indicate our operational readiness to meet any eventuality as also establishes the reliability of this deterrent component of India’s strategic arsenal.”