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Chandipur (Orissa), Oct 12 (ANI): Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists on Monday successfully test fired in quick succession two Prithvi-II surface-to-surface short range ballistic missiles, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) here.

According to the DRDO sources, the indigenously developed missiles were test fired successfully at 10:28 am and 10: 33 am, from mobile launchers.

The tests were conducted as part of user trials by the army, and both the missiles had different target ranges, sources added.

Prithvi-II, a highly sophisticated single stage liquid propelled missile, is equipped with inertial navigation system.

The missile, which is about nine metres in length and one metre in width can carry conventional as well as nuclear warheads and has a range of 350 kilometres.

The trajectories of the missiles were tracked by a battery of long-range, multi-function radars and electro-optic telemetry stations at different locations for post-launch analysis.

The DRDO scientists supervised the test firing with logistic support from the ITR personnel here. The Indian Navy had anchored its ships near the impact points in the Bay of Bengal.

Prithvi is India’s first indigenously built ballistic missile. It is one of five missiles being developed under the Integrated Missile Development Programme (IMDP).

Prithvi-II is capable of carrying a payload of between 500 kg and one ton, including nuclear weapons. Two versions of the missile have been inducted into the Army and Air Force.

The trials were conducted in the presence of Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, V K Saraswat, top scientists and army officers. (ANI)