.........BALASORE: After the successful test launch of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, India is slated to test-fire an extended range version of Prithvi variant missile shortly. The short range ballistic missile (SRBM) will be launched from the integrated test range (ITR) off the Orissa coast.


Defence sources said, elaborate preparations were on in the test range for the launch in the next five days of the surface-to-surface Prithvi missile. The missile with an extended range of more than 350 km will be tested by a special regiment raised by the Indian Army.

“The missile is being integrated and range readied for the scheduled test. If everything goes as planned, the test would be conducted by this week-end or early next week,” a source at the test range said.

The nine-metre surface-to-surface Prithvi missile has a range of up to 350 km. Variants make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.

Prithvi was the first missile to be developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. “The Prithvi class was a surface-to-surface missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1,000 kg. It has an accuracy of 10-50 metres and can be launched from transporter erector launchers,” said a defence scientist.

The indigenously developed sophisticated missile has a diameter of one metre and launch weight of 4,600 kg. This particular test is aimed at achieving ‘close to zero’ circular error probability (CEP) accuracy, the source said.

The Prithvi missile can be taken close to the forward line over any kind of terrain. It has been designed to deliver advanced conventional warheads deep into enemy territory. The missile stops climbing when it reaches an altitude of 30 km and dives the target at an 80 degree angle.

“It can use both conventional and nuclear payload. The payloads are single warheads. Prithvi is India’s first indigenously built ballistic missile. Since 2002, Prithvi has been in use by the Indian Army with the over-arching logistical control and support retained by the Indian Air Force (IAF),” said the scientist.