NewzVille Desk
India has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from an integrated test range in Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its strategic deterrence capability. Defence ministry said the test-firing of the missiles, conducted by the elite Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters.
On Wednesday, India successfully test-fired indigenously developed Akash Prime missile in Ladakh that has been customised to operate at an altitude above 4,500 metres. The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kms and it is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads. The Agni-I missile has a range of 700-900 kms and it can carry a payload of 1,000 kgs. Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles have been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence.
On test-firing of Akash missile, the ministry said it carries added significance as it follows the “exceptional performance” of India’s indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor.
Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash weapon system built for the Indian Army. The test-firing of the missile in Ladakh assumed significance as it is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It said the weapon system is customised to operate in altitude above 4,500 metres and has latest upgrades including indigenously developed radio frequency seeker.
Defence ministry said based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Indian Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the industry on this remarkable achievement.
