In a display of its strategic prowess, India successfully carried out a night user trial of its nuclear-capable Prithvi-II ballistic missile on August 22, 2024. The launch, conducted from a defense facility off the Odisha coast at approximately 7:46 pm, marked another significant achievement in India's defense capabilities.
The Prithvi-II, an indigenously developed missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a cornerstone of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. It is designed to precisely target and destroy adversaries within a range of 350 kilometers.
This night trial was part of a broader series of tests aimed at ensuring the missile functions flawlessly under diverse operational scenarios. The user training launch was executed by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the custodian of India's nuclear arsenal. The success of the trial, wherein the missile accurately hit its intended target, reaffirmed the missile's operational readiness and technical parameters.
Prithvi-II is a single-stage, liquid-fueled missile equipped with a sophisticated guidance system for precision targeting. It boasts a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kilograms, allowing it to deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Prithvi series, including the Prithvi-II, forms a crucial part of India’s missile arsenal, significantly contributing to the nation's 'credible minimum deterrence' posture.
The missile's flexible deployment options, along with its ability to carry a variety of warheads, significantly enhance India's tactical and strategic capabilities in the event of any conflict. The successful development and induction of Prithvi-II into the armed forces highlight the DRDO's expertise in advancing indigenous missile technology. This accomplishment serves as a testament to India’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture while upholding its policy of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons.
