India successfully test-fires nuclear capable ballistic missile Prithvi-II

India on February 7, 2018 successfully test-fired indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile from launch complex three of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near Balasore, Odisha.

The user trial of this surface-to-surface ballistic missile was a complete success. The trial was carried out by the specially formed Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the India Army and was monitored by the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This was the third test launch of an Indian missile this year. Earlier, Indian Army conducted successful trials of Agni-V on January 18, 2018 and Agni-I missile on February 6, 2018 from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.

The last successful user trial of Prithvi-II missile was carried out on June 2, 2017 from the same base.

About Prithvi-II missile
• Inducted into the armed forces of the country in 2003, Prithvi-II is the first missile to be developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

• The nine-metre-tall and single-stage liquid-fuelled Prithvi-II missile has a strike range of 350 kilometres.

• It is capable of carrying 500 to 1000 kilograms of warheads and derives its thrust from liquid propulsion twin engines.

• It uses advanced inertial guidance system with a planned trajectory to hit its target.

• The naval operational variant of Prithvi-II class missile is known as Dhanush.

SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket carrying car into space