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DRDO testfires its 11th missile - Prithvi-2
New Delhi: India has successfully testfired the over 250 km strike range DRDO-developed Prithvi-2 ballistic missile off the coast of Balasore, Odisha. It is already a part of the Strategic Forces Command, which is the custodian of India's nuclear arsenal.
Earlier on September 30, BrahMos Extended Range Supersonic Cruise Missile was test-fired off the coast of Odisha. This missile can strike the target at a distance of over 400 km.
Prithvi-2 is the 11th successive missile launched by DRDO. Prior to Prithvi-2, DRDO launched the Nirbhay missile. DRDO started launching missiles from September 7. It began with the test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which was followed by Laser-Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
DRDO's efforts and achievements are a major step towards "self-reliance," that is, being 'Aatmanirbhar' even in the field of defence technology. Their efforts are highly praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
When DRDO tested India's first indigenous anti-radiation missile, New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (Rudram-1) developed by DRDO for Air Force, Rajnath Singh praised the agency by calling it a 'remarkable achievement.'
Focusing on the need to boost indigenous defence production, Singh said, "From design to production, we are trying to make India one of the leading countries of the world in the Defence, Aerospace and Naval Shipbuilding sectors with the active participation of public and private sector."
The tests can also be seen as a reaction to China's mobilisation of troops and support elements in East Ladakh.