SOURCE: AFI
On the evening of August 22, 2024, India conducted a successful night user trial of its nuclear-capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile from a defense facility off the coast of Odisha. The launch took place at approximately 7:46 pm and marked another significant milestone in India’s strategic defense capabilities. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Prithvi-II missile is designed to destroy targets at a range of up to 350 kilometers, playing a crucial role in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
The night trial was part of a series of tests aimed at validating the missile’s performance under various operational conditions. The user training launch was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which is responsible for managing India’s nuclear arsenal. The test successfully demonstrated the missile’s ability to strike its intended target with high accuracy, thereby validating all operational and technical parameters.
The Prithvi-II is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile with a sophisticated guidance system that ensures precision targeting. With a payload capacity of up to 500-1,000 kilograms, the missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Prithvi series, including the Prithvi-II, has been a critical component of India’s missile arsenal, contributing to the country’s credible minimum deterrence posture.
The Prithvi-II’s flexibility in deployment, coupled with its ability to deliver a variety of warheads, enhances India’s tactical and strategic options in case of any conflict. The missile’s successful development and induction into the armed forces underscore DRDO’s prowess in advancing indigenous missile technology.