Prithvi (missile)

The Government of India launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program in 1983 to achieve self-sufficiency in the development and production of wide range of ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles etc. Prithvi was the first missile to be developed under the program. DRDO attempted to build a surface-to-air missile under Project Devil.{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/Prithvi.html|title=PRITHVI SRBM |access-date=2008-02-06 |author=Arun Vishwakarma |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071212063803/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/Prithvi.html |archive-date = 2007-12-12}} Variants make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Bengaluru: 1.2m trisonic wind tunnel at National Aerospace Laboratories completes 55 years of service |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bengaluru-12m-trisonic-wind-tunnel-at-national-aerospace-laboratories-completes-55-years-of-service20220606001500/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=ANI |language=en}}

The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The initial project framework of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program outlines the variants in the following manner.{{Cite web|url=http://cns.miis.edu/research/india/indiach2.htm|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011202044243/http://cns.miis.edu/research/india/indiach2.htm|url-status=dead|title=Centre for Non Proliferation Studies Archive, accessed 18 October 2006|archive-date=2 December 2001}}

• Prithvi I (SS-150) – Army version ({{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} range with a payload of {{convert|1,000|kg|lb|abbr=on}})
• Prithvi II (SS-250) – Air Force version ({{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}}{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/india-successfully-test-fires-indigenously-developed-prithvi-ii-missile-2806807/|title=India successfully test fires indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile|date=2016-05-18|access-date=2016-08-05}} range with a payload of {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}})
• Prithvi III (SS-350) – Naval version ({{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} range with a payload of {{convert|1000|kg|lb|abbr=on}})

File:Agni and Prithvi.jpg and Prithvi missile models in DRDO, Balasore]]

Prithvi I is a single-stage liquid-fuelled surface-to-surface ballistic missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1,000 kg, with a range of {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}}. It has an accuracy of {{convert|10|–|50|m|ft|abbr=on}} and can be launched from transporter erector launchers. This class of Prithvi missile was inducted into the Indian Army in 1994. As per DRDO's former chief Avinash Chander, the tactical 150 km-range Prithvi missile will be replaced with the Prahaar missile, which is more capable and has more accuracy. According to Chander, the Prithvi I missiles withdrawn from service would be upgraded to be used for longer ranges.{{Cite web |last=Eshel |first=Tamir |date=2013-07-01 |title=After 17 years in service, the Prithvi I missile will give way to smaller and better Prahar - Defense Update |url=https://defense-update.com/20130701_prahar_to_replace_privthi.html |access-date=2024-08-21 |language=en-US}}

As per reports, in the 1990s, 75 missiles were initially ordered and the order was subsequently increased. The missiles are generally paired with conventional warheads but can be equipped with nuclear warheads as well. The units under the Regiment of Artillery, that are equipped with these missiles includes{{Cite web |title=India's Nuclear Force Structure 2025 |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2016/06/indias-nuclear-force-structure-2025?lang=en |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=carnegieendowment.orgundefined |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=333rd Artillery Group - India Special Weapons Agencies |url=https://nuke.fas.org/guide/india/agency/333.htm |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=nuke.fas.org}}

1. 222 Missile Group
2. 333 Missile Group (Secunderabad under XI Corps){{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=Prithvi-I |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/prithvi/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Missile Threat |language=en}}
3. 444 Missile Group
4. 555 Missile Group

Prithvi II is a single-stage liquid-fuelled missile. Initially, it was developed for an extended range of {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on}} and maximum warhead capacity of 500 kg. This was gradually enhanced to a range of {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} and 500–1000 kg payload. It was developed with the Indian Air Force being the primary user.

It was first test-fired on 27 January 1996 and the developmental trials were completed in 2004. In a test, the missile was launched with an extended range of {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} and had improved navigation due to an improvement in inertial navigation system. The missile features measures to deceive anti-ballistic missiles.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The missile was inducted into India's Strategic Forces Command in 2003.{{Cite news | title=Prithvi-II training launch successful | date=12 August 2013 | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/prithviii-training-launch-successful/article5014874.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|access-date = 14 August 2013}} After a failed test on 24 September 2010,{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=39106 |title=PIB Press Release |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=2010-07-16}} two more missiles aimed at two different targets were launched on 22 December 2010 and were successful.{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-22/india/28238152_1_strategic-force-command-integrated-test-range-ballistic-missiles | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104065156/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-22/india/28238152_1_strategic-force-command-integrated-test-range-ballistic-missiles | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-11-04 | work=The Times of India | title=India test-fires two Prithvi-II ballistic missiles | date=2010-12-22}} According to reports, the range has been increased to {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} and the payload capacity now ranges between 500 – 1000 kg.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/improved-prithviii-successfully-test-fired/447208/ | title=Improved Prithvi-II successfully test fired | work=The Indian Express | date=2009-04-15 |access-date=2010-07-16}}{{cite news | author= TOI|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-09/india/29637697_1_prithvi-ii-zero-circular-error-probability-single-digit-accuracy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107180224/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-09/india/29637697_1_prithvi-ii-zero-circular-error-probability-single-digit-accuracy|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-01-07| work= The Times of India|title=Nuclear-capable Prithvi-II test-fired | date =2011-06-09}}{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-12/india/28089257_1_prithvi-ii-nuclear-capable-integrated-test-range |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025035343/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-12/india/28089257_1_prithvi-ii-nuclear-capable-integrated-test-range |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-25 |title=Two nuclear capable Prithvi-2 missiles successfully test fired - India |date=2009-10-12 |work=The Times of India | access-date=2010-07-16}}{{cite web|url= https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/jun/02/indian-army-successfully-test-fires-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missile-prithvi-ii-off-odisha-coast-1612026.html|title= Indian army successfully test fires nuclear capable ballistic missile Prithvi-II off Odisha coast|access-date=2 June 2017|date= 2 June 2017}} On 2 June, India successfully test-fired another Prithvi-II missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha at 9:50 am.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

On 20 November 2019, Strategic Forces Command carried out 2 night user trials of Prithvi-II missiles as part of its annual training cycle to test the combat readiness of its missile forces. Two Prithvi-II tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles were test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha, according to government sources cited in local media reports. The trial of the surface-to-surface missile with a strike range of 350 km was carried out from a mobile launcher from Launch Complex III of the ITR between 7:00 pm and 7:15 pm.{{cite news |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |date=2019-11-21 |title=India Test Fires Two Prithvi-II Short-Range Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missiles |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/india-test-fires-two-prithvi-ii-short-range-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missiles/ |access-date=21 November 2019 |work=The Diplomat }}

On 4 December 2019, another night trial was conducted off Odisha coast at 07:48 pm from Launch Complex III of Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.{{cite news |last1=Velira1 |title=India on Tuesday conducted a night trial of its indigenously developed, nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile off Odisha coast |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/india-conducts-night-trial-prithvi-ii-missile-1624900-2019-12-04 |access-date=4 December 2019 |work=India Today }} The Strategic Forces Command conducted night trial of Prithvi II in full operational configuration from Launch Complex III of Integrated Test Range on 23 September 2020.{{Cite web|title=Nuke capable Prithvi-II night trial successful|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2020/sep/24/nuke-capable-prithvi-ii-night-trial-successful-2201239.html|access-date=2020-09-24|website=The New Indian Express|date=24 September 2020 }}

Prithvi III is a two-stage surface-to-surface missile. The first stage is solid fueled with a 16 metric ton force (157 kN) thrust motor. The second stage is liquid-fuelled. The missile can carry a 1,000 kg warhead to a distance of {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a 500 kg warhead to a distance of {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a 250 kg warhead up to a distance of {{convert|750|km|mi|abbr=on}}.

Prithvi III was first tested in 2000 from {{INS|Subhadra|P51|6}}, a {{Sclass|Sukanya|patrol vessel|1}}. The missile was launched from the updated reinforced helicopter deck of the vessel. The first flight test of the {{convert|250|km|mi|abbr=on}} variant was only partially successful.{{cite web | url=http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/nudb/datab20.asp | title=Nuclear Data - Table of Indian Nuclear Forces, 2002 | publisher=NRDC | access-date=2010-07-16}} The full operational testing was completed in 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/ballistic/prithvi.html |title=Prithvi |author= |date=12 Oct 2009 |work=Bharat Rakshak Missiles |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=22 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514165459/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/ballistic/prithvi.html |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}

{{Infobox weapon

|is_missile=yes

|name=Dhanush

|image=File:Dhanush missile launch on 11 March 2011.jpg

|caption=Dhanush missile during a launch

|origin={{flag|India}}

|type=Short-range ballistic missile / anti-ship ballistic missile

|used_by= {{Navy|India}}

|designer= Defence Research and Development Organisation

|manufacturer=Bharat Dynamics Limited

|unit_cost=

|propellant=

|production_date=

|service=

|engine=

|engine_power=

|weight=4,500 kg

|length= 8.53m

|height=

|diameter=0.9m

|wingspan=

|speed=

|vehicle_range=*350 km with 1000 kg warhead.

• 600 km with 500 kg warhead.
• 750 km with 250 kg warhead.{{cite news|title=Indian Navy successfully test fires Dhanush missile: All you need to know|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/education/story/dhanush/1/531950.html|access-date=13 February 2016|work=India Today}}

|ceiling=

|altitude=

|filling= Conventional (blast, fragmentation, thermobaric) and tactical nuclear weapon

|guidance=

|detonation=

|launch_platform=

}}

Dhanush ({{Lit|Bow}}) is a variant of the surface-to-surface or ship-to-ship Prithvi III missile for the Indian Navy. It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads with pay-load capacity of 500 kg-1000 kg and can strike targets in the maximum range of {{convert|750|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Dhanush is a system consisting of a stabilization platform and the missile. It is a customized version of the Prithvi and is certified for sea worthiness. Dhanush has to be launched from a hydraulically stabilized launch pad. Its low range acts against it and thus it is seen as a weapon either to be used to destroy an aircraft carrier or an enemy port. The Dhanush missile can be used as an anti-ship weapon as well as for destroying land targets depending on the range.{{cite web |title=India tests Prithvi missile's naval version Dhanush |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/odisha-india-testfires-nuclear-capable-dhanush-missile/298131-3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008025846/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/odisha-india-testfires-nuclear-capable-dhanush-missile/298131-3.html |archive-date=8 October 2012 |access-date=8 October 2012 |publisher=IBN Live}} The missile has been tested from surface ships of the navy many times.

A new variant of the Prithvi-III missile, named Dhanush, was test fired from the Rajput in March 2007 and successfully hit a land-based target.{{cite web |date=31 March 2007 |title=Dhanush, naval surface-to-surface missile, test fired successfully |url=https://www.domain-b.com/aero/20070331_fired.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728124203/http://www.domain-b.com/aero/20070331_fired.htm |archive-date=28 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2019 |publisher=domain-b.com}}

The missile was successfully tested-fired from INS Subhadra, which was anchored about {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} offshore from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur on 13 December 2009. It was the sixth test of the missile.{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-14/india/28077530_1_integrated-test-range-orissa-coast-naval-version | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025151136/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-14/india/28077530_1_integrated-test-range-orissa-coast-naval-version | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-10-25 | work=The Times of India | title=Dhanush missile successfully test-fired | date=2009-12-14}}

The missile was test-fired successfully on 5 October 2012,{{cite news|title=India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-05/india/34278476_1_nuclear-capable-prithvi-ii-chandipur-on-sea-in-balasore-district|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103072626/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-05/india/34278476_1_nuclear-capable-prithvi-ii-chandipur-on-sea-in-balasore-district|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=10 August 2012}} on 23 November 2013,{{cite news|title=India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-successfully-tests-dhanush-ballistic-missile-113112300395_1.html|access-date=2013-10-23|newspaper=Business Standard}} 9 April 2015,{{cite news|title=Dhanush missile successfully test-fired from ship|url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/dhanush-successfully-testfired-by-sfc-team/article7084822.ece/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150409123936/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/dhanush-successfully-testfired-by-sfc-team/article7084822.ece/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-04-09|access-date=2015-04-09|newspaper=The Hindu}} and 24 November 2015[http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/India_test_fires_ship_based_nuclear_capable_missile_999.html India test fires ship-based nuclear-capable missile], SpaceDaily.com, 25 November 2015 from INS Subhadra in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast.

Dhanush was again tested on 26 November 2015 from INS Subhadra in the Bay of Bengal.{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/dhanush/1/531950.html|title=Dhanush missile|work=India Today|access-date=30 November 2015}}

A successful user trial was conducted from a naval ship on 23 February 2018 by the Strategic Forces Command off the Odisha coast.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dhanush-ballistic-missile-successfully-test-fired/articleshow/63043606.cms|title='Dhanush' ballistic missile successfully test-fired|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-02-23}}

{{Portal|India|Rocketry}}

• Project Devil
• SS-45 Missile
• Project Valiant
• Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme
• K Missile family

• {{lwc|Ghaznavi (missile)|Ghaznavi}}
• {{lwc|Abdali-I}}
• {{lwc|Shaheen-I}}
• {{lwc|J-600T Yıldırım}}
• {{lwc|Fateh-313}}
• {{lwc|Qiam 1}}
• {{lwc|B-611}}
• {{lwc|DF-11}}
• {{lwc|al-Husayn (missile)|al-Husayn}}
• {{lwc|Burkan-1}}
• {{lwc|Sky Spear}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Prithvi missiles}}

• [https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/prithvi/ CSIS Missile Threat - Prithvi I/II/III]
• [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/dhanush/ CSIS Missile Threat - Dhanush]

Technical:

• [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets]

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation}}

{{Indian missiles}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Prithvi (Missile)}}

Category:Short-range ballistic missiles

Category:Ballistic missiles of India

Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s