Statements from defence sources are confirming about today’s test-fires of 'Prithvi-II' ballistic missile by the army, which is known as the first ballistic missile developed under the country's prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

In their statement, the sources said that India has today test-fired its new indigenously developed nuclear-capable 'Prithvi-II' ballistic missile forming a part of a user trial by the Army. The missile was fired tested from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, which is approx 15 km from off Odisha coast.

"The sophisticated surface-to-surface missile was flight tested at around 1100 hours from a mobile launcher at ITR's launch complex-3 as part of an operational exercise", defence sources said.

They added that the sleek missile is already under the control of the strategic force command and with the trial, the officers wanted to gauge its effects in a real time situation. They also wanted to carefully examine the control and guidance system of the weapon and train the Army about same, which happens to be an important user in the real situations. .

The 9 metres long missile can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads (with a capacity to carry 500 kg). It has one metre diameter and is designed with liquid propulsion twin engine. Its strike range is 350 km.