Prithvi- ll tactical ballistic missile test successfully
- January 11, 2023
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Prithvi- ll tactical ballistic missile test successfully
Subject : Science and Technology
Context:
- India successfully carried out a test launch of tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
- The missile struck its target with high accuracy.
- The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.
Sort-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) Prithvi- II:
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
- It is deployed by India’s Strategic Forces Command.
Key features:
- Indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM)
- Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) and has a range of around 250 km to 350 km.
- It can carry a one-tonne payload.
- High degree of precision:
- Prithvi- II has a proven system and is capable of striking targets at ranges up to 5,000 kilometres with a high degree of precision.
- Integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence:
- Prithvi-II has a well-established system and is an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence.
- Lighter in weight:
- The tested Agni-5 ballistic missile is lighter in weight than the previous missile.
Variants of Prithvi Missile:
- The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
- The initial project framework of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program outlines the variants in the following manner:
- Prithvi I (SS-150) – Army version (150 km (93 mi) range with a payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb))
- Prithvi II (SS-250) – Air Force version (350 km (220 mi) range with a payload of 500t kg (1,100 lb))
- Prithvi III (SS-350) – Naval version (350 km (220 mi) range with a payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb))
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP):
- The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was conceived by Dr A.P.J. Abdul kalam and was launched in 1982-83 by the Indian Government which saw the projects of
- Prithvi (Short range surface to surface missile)
- Trishul (short-range surface-to-air missile)
- Aakash (Medium range surface to air missile)
- Nag (Third generation anti-tank missile)
- Agni-I (Agni missile was later separated from the IGMDP due to its strategic importance)