Two Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test-fired in salvo mode on Monday morning from the launch complex-III of the Integrated Test Range near Balasore in Odisha. A gap of 35 seconds separated the launch of the two surface-to-surface missiles. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) fired the missiles from a road-mobile launcher.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed and developed the Prithvi-II.
The missile, capable of reaching targets 350 km away, can carry a 500-kg nuclear warhead. Sources said the launch demonstrated the Army’s operational preparedness. The brass of the SFC and G. Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and Director-General Missiles and Strategic Systems, DRDO, witnessed the launch.
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Preparations are under way for the launch of the Agni-I strategic missile from Balasore on Tuesday. Agni-I has a range of 750 km and carries a nuclear warhead.