UPSC Current Affairs – November 5, 2020
India successfully� test fired the Prithvi II missile which was developed indigenously. The test was conducted at the Chandipur Integrated Test Range, Odisha.
What Should I know for My UPSC Exams?
Key Facts
- The missile attained the range of 350 km.
- The test fire was a routine exercises.
- Electro optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations of Defense Research and development Organizations (DRDO) traced the trajectory of the missile.
- Strategic Force Command of Army and� scientists of Defence Research Development Organization successfully carried out the launch operations.
Prithvi II
- It� is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile.
- It has a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg.
- �Indian Air Force is its primary user.
- It was first test-fired on 27 January 1996 with a range of 250 km.
- 350 km (220 mi) range is its extended version which has improved navigation because of an inertial navigation system.
About Prithvi Missile
It is a short-range surface to surface ballistic missile that has been indigenously developed by the DRDO. Prithvi missile was the first missile to be developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It has 3 variants:
- Prithvi I (SS-150) � Army version
- Prithvi II (SS-250) � Air Force version
- Prithvi III (SS-350) � Naval version
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
The project was started under the leadership of the late Shri Abdul Kalam in 1983in order �to achieve self-sufficiency in the development and production of wide range of ballistic missiles and surface-to-air missiles. The programme was ended in 2008. Four main projects under the programme includes:
- Prithvi: It is a Short Range Surface-to-Surface missile.
- Trishul: It is a Short Range Low-level surface to air missile.
- Akash: It is a Medium Range Surface-to-air Missile.
- Nag: It is a Third Range anti-tank Missile.