Antony congratulates scientists for successful launch of Prithvi-II, Dhanush missiles

New Delhi, Mar.27 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday congratulated scientists for the successful test-firing of the indigenously developed ballistic missiles 'Prithvi II' and 'Dhanush' from different locations off the Orissa coast.

"I congratulate scientists for the successful launch of both missiles. It will add to the fire power of the armed forces," said Antony.

While the 'Prithvi II' was test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Orissa from a mobile launcher early this morning, the 'Dhanush' was launched from the INS-Subhadra in the Bay of Bengal.

The Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which was started in 1983 with the aim of achieving self sufficiency in the development and production of a wide range of ballistic missiles and surface to air missiles, besides other weapons.

The Prithvi is the first missile to be developed under the IGMDP.

The Prithvi II has a range of 250 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing 500 kilograms.

The nuclear capable Dhanush is the naval version of the Prithvi, which can be launched from warships.

The Dhanush's 350 kilometres range would add to the Indian Navy's capability in targetting the enemy with greater precision. (ANI)