Prithvi-II Missile
Science & Technology › Defence Technology and Missile Systems · Topic 16.24
Prithvi-II is an Indian short range, surface to surface, liquid fuelled ballistic missile with a range of about 250 to 350 km and a payload of 500 to 1,000 kg. It is a single stage missile that uses two liquid propellant engines, is launched from a road mobile transporter erector launcher, and uses an inertial navigation system with a manoeuvrable trajectory. Prithvi-II was developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme as the Air Force version of the Prithvi family, was first test fired on 27 January 1996 from Chandipur and was inducted in 2003 into the Strategic Forces Command. It can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
5 min read · UPSC Prelims · Science & Technology · Defence Technology and Missile Systems
At a Glance
- Type Surface to surface SRBM
- Range ~250 to 350 km
- Fuel Liquid
- First test 27 January 1996
- User Air Force and SFC
- Exam link UPSC Prelims, Science & Technology: Defence Technology and Missile Systems
Where Does It Fit?
This topic follows the account of the Nirbhay missile. It details the first IGMDP missile, whose family links with the Dhanush missile and with earlier topics on India’s missile systems. Previous topic: Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile. Next topic: Air Independent Propulsion Technology for Submarines.
What Are the Features of Prithvi-II?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Single stage, liquid fuelled, surface to surface short range ballistic missile, 9 metres long, 1.1 metres wide, weight about 4,600 kg |
| Range and payload | Range about 250 to 350 km and a payload of 500 to 1,000 kg |
| Propulsion | Two liquid propellant engines using a hypergolic mixture |
| Guidance | Inertial navigation with a manoeuvrable trajectory, and accuracy of about 10 to 50 metres is reported |
| Launch | Road mobile launcher, so that it can be moved quickly |
| Warheads | High explosive, cluster, penetration, incendiary or nuclear |
| Development | Part of the IGMDP by DRDL, Hyderabad |
How Did Prithvi-II Develop and Where Does It Fit?
- First test: 27 January 1996 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
- Induction: in 2003, and operated by the Strategic Forces Command, which handles nuclear weapons
- Prithvi-I: the Army version with a range of about 150 km and a payload of 1,000 kg
- Prithvi-II: Air Force version, 250 to 350 km
- Prithvi-III / Dhanush: the Navy variant of about 350 km range, launched from ships
- User trials: repeated user trials by the Strategic Forces Command, including night trials in 2021 and 2022 from Chandipur
- Successors: solid fuelled missiles such as Prahaar and Pralay are better suited to the field than liquid fuelled ones
- Role: short range deterrent, targeting at about 350 km
What Else Should You Remember?
- Hypergolic fuel: propellants that ignite on contact, making engine start reliable
- Liquid fuel handling: liquid fuelled missiles must be fuelled before launch, which takes time and is risky
- Transporter erector launcher: a vehicle that carries, raises and launches the missile
- Integrated Test Range: at Chandipur, near Balasore in Odisha
- Pakistani counterparts: Hatf-III Ghaznavi and Abdali are of similar ranges
- Name Prithvi: means the Earth
- IGMDP order: Prithvi was the first IGMDP missile to be tested, in 1988, followed by Agni in 1989
- Strategic Forces Command: created in 2003 under the Nuclear Command Authority
- Credible minimum deterrence: India’s doctrine
- No first use: India’s declared policy, with retaliation
- Pre-notification: India and Pakistan inform each other about test flights of ballistic missiles
- Payload flexibility: a range of warheads can be mounted
- Accuracy: improved by updates from satellite navigation
- Production: Bharat Dynamics Limited builds the missile
- Operation: launch crews train for rapid readiness
- Link: the programme history is in Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
- Link to naval variant: see Shaurya Missile, Astra Missile, Dhanush Missile and Prahaar Missile
- Warhead separation: the warhead may separate from the missile body in the last phase, which makes the target smaller for defences
- Launch preparation time: early liquid fuelled missiles took hours to prepare, which is why solid fuel missiles are preferred now
- Exports and interest: Prithvi was not exported, and Indian missile export policy is covered by the Missile Technology Control Regime
- Peacetime storage: the missile is stored without fuel and the fuel is loaded only when needed
- Air Force role: the Air Force version was designed to hit airfields and targets deep in enemy territory
- Tests in the 2020s: user trials were conducted on Prithvi-II from Chandipur in 2022 and the Government reported success
- Safety of tests: warnings are issued to ships and aircraft with a NOTAM before every test
- Second strike: mobile missiles that can be hidden add to survival of the nuclear force
- Prithvi Air Defence: an interceptor derived from Prithvi technology, as in Anti-Ballistic Missile System
- Hatf comparison: Pakistan has missiles of similar range and the two states exchange test notices under a 2005 pact
Why Does It Matter for the Exam?
- Fuel: liquid
- Range: 250 to 350 km
- First test: 1996
- Current affairs link: night user trials
- Common errors: calling Prithvi-II solid fuelled or intercontinental
As an analytical point, Prithvi-II was a stepping stone in the development of India’s missile capability. Because liquid fuelled missiles are slower to prepare, newer solid fuelled systems are replacing them for fast response.
Why Is This Topic Important?
- Features Liquid, 350 km
- Force SFC and IAF
- Variants Dhanush
What Came Next?
The next topic covers air independent propulsion technology for submarines. Next topic: Air Independent Propulsion Technology for Submarines.
Key People and Terms
- SRBM Short range ballistic missile
- TEL Transporter erector launcher
- Hypergolic Self igniting propellant
- SFC Strategic Forces Command
- ITR Integrated Test Range
- NCA Nuclear Command Authority
Exam Corner
Points to Remember
- Prithvi-II first test: 27 January 1996.
- Range: 250 to 350 km; fuel: liquid.
- Induction: 2003.
- Prithvi-I: 150 km, Army.
- Dhanush is the naval variant.
Do Not Confuse With
- Prithvi-I and II Army 150 km versus Air Force 350 km
- Prithvi and Agni Liquid short range versus solid long range
- Prithvi and Prahaar Older liquid versus newer solid tactical missile
Memory Hook
Prithvi earth-bound and liquid; ninety-six first test; three-fifty kilometres; Air Force and SFC.
Mains Angle
Questions ask for fuel, range and variants. These points help.
- Features Liquid SRBM
- Role Deterrence
- Successors Solid fuel
A Question You May Face
An original practice question, not a past paper question.
“Describe the Prithvi missile family and explain the significance of Prithvi-II in India’s missile programme.”
How to Answer
- Family Variants.
- Prithvi-II Features.
- Force SFC.
- Successors Solid.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prithvi-II?
Prithvi-II is a short range surface to surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO under the IGMDP. It is liquid fuelled, has a range of about 250 to 350 km and carries a payload of 500 to 1,000 kg of conventional or nuclear warheads from a mobile launcher.
When was Prithvi-II first tested?
Prithvi-II was first test fired on 27 January 1996 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. It was inducted in 2003 and has been used in many user trials, including successful night launches in the early 2020s by the Strategic Forces Command.
What is the difference between Prithvi-I and Prithvi-II?
Prithvi-I is the Army version with a range of about 150 km and a payload of about 1,000 kg. Prithvi-II is the Air Force version with a longer range of about 250 to 350 km and a payload of 500 to 1,000 kg. Both use liquid fuel, while the naval variant is called Dhanush.
Why is liquid fuel a disadvantage for missiles?
A liquid fuelled missile must be fuelled shortly before launch because the propellants are corrosive and hard to store in the missile for long, so its readiness time is longer and the ground support needed is large. Solid fuelled missiles can be stored ready and fired quickly, so newer missiles prefer them.
Which force operates Prithvi-II?
Prithvi-II is operated by the Strategic Forces Command, the tri-service command set up in 2003 under the Nuclear Command Authority that controls India's nuclear capable missiles, as well as being the Air Force variant of the Prithvi family. User trials are carried out by this Command.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Prithvi-II is a liquid fuelled missile.
With two engines.
2 Prithvi-II is an intercontinental ballistic missile.
It is a short range missile.
3 Prithvi-II was first tested in 1996.
At Chandipur.
4 Dhanush is the naval version of the Prithvi.
A ship launched missile.
Past Mains Questions on This Topic
This topic comes under Defence Technology and Missile Systems. UPSC Mains questions asked on the matching syllabus topic, year-wise with marks:
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