The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the armed forces on Saturday test-fired a Dhanush missile from a warship off the eastern coast. Informed sources said the launch met the mission objectives.
Dhanush is the naval version of surface-to-surface missile Prithvi, which can carry nuclear warheads. Dhanush can cover a distance of 250 km and carry a 500-kg payload.
While Prithvi-I has been phased out, Prithvi-II and Dhanush have been inducted into the armed forces.
Prithvi-II can also carry nuclear warheads. All these missiles are produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
In the next few months, both DRDO and the SFC will launch a series of missiles.
While DRDO plans to launch interceptor missile Agni-IV and subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay, the SFC will test-fire Agni-II and Agni-III. All Agni variants carry nuclear warheads.
Agni-I, II and III have already been inducted into the Army. Agni-IV has a range of 4,000 km.
DRDO plans to fire Agni-V, which has a range of 5,000 km, from a canister this year or early next year. DRDO will test-fire Nirbhay in December.
