Successful Prithvi flight marks new phase of India's missile programme

The successful test flight of Prithvi-250 on Sunday -- marking the completion of the developmental phase of the longer-range version for the Indian Air Force -- is only one of the milestones which the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme is slated to cross during the current year.

The third generation anti-tank missile Nag, the short-range quick-reaction surface-to-air missile, Trishul, and the medium-range surface-to-air missile, Akash, are also expected to enter production during the current year.

The ground support system of the Prithvi-250, also called the Prithvi-2, has been modified as per the IAF's specification. Once inducted into the IAF, the missile will be used for destroying enemy airfields, fuel dumps and anti-aircraft guns besides being used as a surface-to-surface weapon.

The 250-km-long range variant of the missile was successfully test-fired from the interim test range near Chandipur-on-sea in Orissa, winning India entry into the select club of countries possessing such sophisticated technology.

The shorter 150-km Prithvi has already been inducted into the Indian army, though it is yet to be deployed. Besides, a naval version of the missile, nicknamed Prithvi-3, is also on the cards. The Rs 40 million missile can carry five types of warheads.

The test-firing of the Prithvi-250 assumes political significance. Besides demonstrating India's determination to go ahead with its missile programme in right earnest, pressures to the contrary not withstanding.

During Sunday's test-firing, all mission objectives were met. The 8.56 metre-long missile, fired from a mobile launcher, had a perfect lift-off. It was the 16th launch of the Prithvi missile system, including the third test-firing of the Prithvi-250.

The first test-firing of the Prithvi-250 was carried out on January 27, 1996.

The district administration had made all arrangements for temporary evacuation of people living in four villages close to the launching pad, described as a risk zone.

Altogether, 728 people, including 261 children, were evacuated for launching the missile. The villagers were paid a small amount of money as compensation for the temporary evacuation from their homes.

Prithvi is one of the five missiles under various stages of development as part of India's missile development programme. The missile, with a 500 kg warhead, can reach a target 250 km away; with a 1,000 kg warhead, it can strike targets 150 km away.