Prithvi-II

Why in News?

• India has recently carried out a test launch of tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a test range off the Odisha coast.

Highlights 

• Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), which has a range of around 350km and can carry a one tonne payload.
• Prithvi II class is a single-stage liquid-fuelled missile that has warhead mounting capability of 500 kg-1000kg.
• The missile is a proven system and is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision.
• The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
• It was Initially developed for the Indian Air Force as its primary user and was later inducted into the Indian Army as well.
• While the missile was inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command for the first time in 2003, it was the first missile developed under the IGMDP.
• The Prithvi missile system comprises various tactical Surface-to-Surface Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM).
• Its development began in 1983, and it was India’s first indigenous ballistic missile.
• It was first test-fired in 1988, from Srihari Kota, SHAR Centre.
• It has a range of from 150 to 300 km.
• The naval variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi III class missiles have the code-name Dhanush.
• The propulsion technology was likely based on the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.
• Soviet SA-2 Surface-to-Air Missile:
• Developed in the mid-1950s, the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile was the first effective Soviet Union surface-to-air missile.
• Developed as a missile for the battlefield, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.
• The Prithvi I missiles have been in service with the Indian Army since 1994.
• Reportedly, Prahar missiles are replacing with Prithvi I missiles.
• Prithvi II missiles have been in service since 1996.
• Prithvi III having a more extended range of 350 km, was successfully test-fired in 2004