India Successfully Test-fires Nuclear-capable Prithvi-II Missile

India successfully launched the tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a test range off the coast of Odisha on Tuesday.

The missile hit its target with “high accuracy,” according to the defence ministry.

“On 10 January, a successful training launch of a short-range ballistic missile, Prithvi-II, was carried out from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha, the ministry of defence statement said.

“The Prithvi-II missile is a well-established system that has been an important part of India's nuclear deterrence. The missile hit its target with pinpoint accuracy,” the statement added.

According to the company, the “user training launch” validated the missile's operational and technical parameters. The range of the Prithvi-II missile is approximately 350 kilometres and can carry 500-1,000 kg of warheads which are propelled by twin light propulsion engines.

Prithvi-II was first tested in 1996 and entered the Indian military in 2003. The IGMDP project began in 1982-83 under the direction of Abdul Kalam, who oversaw its completion in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed.