The Prithvi-2: India’s Tactical Nuclear Weapon and Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile
Prithvi-2 is a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by India. It is a part of India’s Prithvi missile series, and it is primarily intended for use as a tactical nuclear weapon by the Indian military.
Development
The development of the Prithvi-2 missile began in the 1980s, as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) launched by the Indian government. The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was first tested in 1996.
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Capabilities
The Prithvi-2 missile is a single-stage, liquid-fueled missile that is capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 kg. It has a range of around 350 km and is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The missile is equipped with an inertial navigation system and an onboard computer that provides it with high accuracy.
Deployment
The Prithvi-2 missile is currently in service with the Indian military and is operated by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. It is primarily intended for use as a tactical nuclear weapon, but it can also be used to deliver conventional payloads. The missile is road-mobile and can be launched from a transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicle.
Variants
The Prithvi missile series has two other variants Prithvi-1 and Prithvi-3. Prithvi-1 is a short-range, surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150 km, while the Prithvi-3 is a medium-range, surface-to-surface missile with a range of 250 km.
The Prithvi-2 missile is an important part of India’s military arsenal and plays a crucial role in the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities. With its high accuracy and long range, the missile is capable of delivering a powerful punch and poses a significant threat to potential adversaries. The missile series and its variants are an important part of India’s missile defense system.
