Prithvi II missile with 250 Kms was tested for Indian Air Force in 1992, leading to induction. Indian Navy too sailed in with a requirement for Ship Based Prithvi Missile and called it Dhanush Missile. Since then, all Prithvi Missiles produced are of Prithvi II Missile variant.

Prithvi I SS 150 Missile. File : Image

It is time, India takes a call on retiring the Prithvi – I missiles.

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Dhanush Missile (Bow) is a variant of the Pritivi Missile. With a short range, 350 km range, the strategic ballistic missile is capable of being launched from naval ships.

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“Prithvi PII the 350 km range strategic missile was successfully launched by India’s Strategic Forces Command today at 0910 hrs from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, meeting all the mission objectives,” said the Defence Research and Development Organisation release.

The missile has been inducted in Indian service and the testing is a part of regular exercises and improvements.

The the liquid fueled Prithvi Missiles are equipped with state of art guidance system have reached the specified targets with very high degree of accuracy.

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When India started its missile program, Prithvi SRBM and Agni IRBM’s had limited ranges and were deployed in immediate threat areas. The 150 Kms Prithvi SS 150 was deployed against Pakistan and the 2000 KM Agni II was deployed against China. As of today, Prithvi Missile SS-150, SS-250 and SS-350 come with range 150 Kms, 250 Kms and 350 Kms respectively. In the Agni Missile series Agni -I, Agni – II, Agni – III, Agni – IV and yet to be tested Agni- V with ranges 700 kms, 2000 kms, 3000 kms, 3500 kms and 5000 kms respectively. Each of these missiles are specific to a particular user or a sector or range or technology. In addition, India is developing Submarine launched

The mention of 2000 kms range Agni – II for the western sector was significant as a 3500 kms missile on this sector will unnerve even CIS countries. India can safely deploy Agni II near the western coastal areas to target Islamabad with minimum overflight over Indian territory. Alternatively, it can be deployed in central India.

Agni – 1 can be declared as an conventional warhead missile and deployed near Pakistan and China border. Agni – II and Agni IV are China specific missiles.

The Prithvi Missile series is user specific and may be in service till the newer systems take over.

It is not just Ballastic missiles, even the Cruise missile has different range and technology categories. The options are Brahmos Super sonic cruise missiles, Nirbhay Sub Sonic cruise missile and the Shaurya unconventional trajectory cruise missile. Brahmos itself has variants depending upon the user and the Indian army has a seeker choice of Brahmos Block II and Block III. Nirbhay is a 1000 kms range subsonic missile. Shourya has been derived from a Submarine launched missile dubbed K – 15.

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The liquid propelled, nine meter long, one meter diameter, twin-engined nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile can hit a target at a range of 350 km and can carry warhead up to 500 kg. The missile reached the predefined target in the Bay of Bengal with a very high accuracy of better than 10 meters. All the Radars, Electro optical systems located along the coast have tracked and monitored the Missile throughout the flight path. An Indian Naval ship located near the target witnessed the final event.

The missile is already a part of the Indian armed forces under the control of the Strategic Forces Command and is tested from time to time. It is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance system and is said to hit target with very high degree of accuracy. Arrangements were made to monitor all the trajectory parameters of the missile throughout the test-flight. A war ship was also located near the target location on the Bay of Bengal. Senior Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) officials were present during the test-flight of Prithvi-II.

This fourth successful Prithvi-II user trials within a period of eight months.

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Many significant achievements have been made by DRDO during the recent past, including the year 2010. Many important systems were inducted/accepted by the services. The production value of systems based on technologies developed by DRDO (inducted/accepted/orders placed during the past one decade is well over 1, 10,000 crores).

Agni, the 3500 km range ballistic missile was successfully launched with user’s participation. Training flights were held by the users for various missiles that are already inducted. These included two flight tests each of Agni – I, Agni – II and Dhanush (from naval ships) and five flights of Prithvi II (P– II). Orders worth over Rs. 25000 crores for surface-to-air missile- AKASH have been placed by the users. These include 8 squadron for IAF and 2 regiments for the Army. Successful flight tests of Endo-Atmospheric Interceptor for 2000 km class target were carried out. Each flight led to a direct target hit and disintegration of the target. Capabilities of NAG, the third generation anti-tank missile, which is a vehicle mounted system was demonstrated in a series of user trials. Advanced versions of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the only one of its kind in the world, were developed and flight-tested. Thus, BrahMos block II with target discrimination precision strike capabilities was test-fired. Similarly, BrahMos block III with capability for steep diving from high altitudes and high maneuvers at multiple points during supersonic flight. Development of advanced missile systems is a continuous effort and requires systematic development of more and more advanced technologies. RLG based Inertial Navigation System was developed, qualified and tested. Active Radar Seeker for advanced missions was developed. A Fibre Optics Gyro was successfully developed and tested on board.

In the area of Aeronautics, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) concluded its extensive flight tests including weapon trials, dropping of bombs, jettisoning drop tanks and night flights; leading to its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on 10th January, 2011. Over 1640 flights covering a period of over 969 hours have been completed by Tejas Mark 01. The first prototype of LCA Navy was rolled out and its induction tests were concluded. In tune with changing war of scenario, major thrust has been given to develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Successful flight trials of RUSTAM-1, a UAV with endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 meters demonstrated the capabilities for automated / remotely piloted landing/ take-off and associated technologies. NISHANT, another UAV developed by DRDO was ready for induction by the Army. A medium sized aerostat based platform was developed for surveillance applications. A novel method was developed and flight-tested for an in-flight structural monitoring of the manned as well as unmanned aircraft structures. The scheme was flight tested on a NISHANT UAV. Besides, over 100 test flights of a 3,000 gram Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) designed and developed by DRDO were carried out. A Laser Seeker Kit – ‘SUDARSHAN’, for 1,000 pound bombs was developed and initial demand for significant number of seekers kits has been received from the users. Major milestones in the indigenous development of fighter aircraft engine was achieved with the completion of “Official Altitude Testing” (OAT) of Kaveri Gas Turbine Engine for simulated operating conditions. Subsequently, the flights of Kaveri engine were successfully carried out on a Flying Test Bed (FTB) proving the technological capability and maturity of the indigenous efforts. This is the first time that an indigenously developed gas turbine engine for fighter aircraft has been flown on a FTB board. DRDO has developed expertise in the field of testing and certification for various components sub-systems and systems as well as complete airborne platforms. Thus, Initial Operational Clearance of LCA and Advanced Light Helicopter MK – III were major activities in this area.

Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system HUMSA NG was designed, developed and installed on various ships of Indian Navy. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of navigation was demonstrated at sea. A Carbon Dioxide Curtailment System for submarines was designed and developed. The system has been accepted by the user. SANJEEVANI MK II, a device designed and developed to locate victims trapped under the debris was handed over to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Kerala Govt. Fire Services.

An advanced facility was created to undertake full scale processing of large Rocket motors. The facility was commissioned and the casting of various motors commenced. Development of PINAKA – Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System was achieved with the successful transfer of technology to production agencies, two regiments of PINAKA (worth Rs 1300 crores) have been raised by Army which is likely to place orders for another two regiments. The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for multimode grenade was completed, for which Army has placed an order for 10 lakh grenades. Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) for INSAS and AK-47 rifle was introduced into service with order for 10,000 Launchers. The state-of-the-art microcontroller based system Instant Fire Detection & Suppression System (IFDSS) BMP-2/2K developed for providing protection against fire to the troops & engine compartment, was accepted by the Army. Production order worth Rs. 168 crores has been received.

MBT Arjun Mark I was successfully inducted in the Army and two regiments of Arjun Main Battle Tank have been raised. A Carrier Command Post Tracked (CCPT) vehicle was accepted by the Army for induction. A modified Armoured Amphibious Dozer (AAD) completed its user trials. User trials of remotely operated vehicle (ROV DAKSH) were successfully carried out and LSP order for 20 numbers is being executed. Design of Snow Gallery for protection of personnel and equipment from avalanches and design of Instrumented Composite Tower for studies on avalanches were completed.

In the field of electronics and electro-optics, many systems were inducted/accepted by the services. 3D medium range surveillance radar – ROHINI and its naval variant REVATHI were inducted. 3D low-level light weight radar – Aslesha (for IAF) as well as Bharani (for Army) was accepted by the user. The engineered version of upgraded Weapon Locating Radar (WLR – Swathi) developed by DRDO was realized by the production agency. The electronic warfare system SAMYUKTA (naval variant) and SUJAV were inducted. Orders have been received for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) with anti-jamming features. A holographic sight for rifles/carbines was developed for aiming in closed quarter battle role and was accepted by the users.

The Life Sciences laboratories of DRDO continued to develop technology to maximize the operational efficiency of our soldiers and provide them with adequate support and protection. Some of the major achievements are highlighted. Three mobile laboratories for nuclear, biological and chemical defence were handed over to the user and rigorous training was imparted to them. An upgraded first-aid kit for protection against chemical and biological agents as well as the nuclear radiation were accepted by the services. Technology for producing DRDO developed kits for detection of swine flu was transferred to the production agency. The Combat Free Fall (CFF) protection system to meet the requirements of high altitude paratrooper’s mission requirements was designed developed and is under limited series production. A Submarine Escape Set (SES) for escape from an abandoned submarine from depths of 100m was designed and developed. Navy has projected a requirement of over 400 suits. Greenhouses were established at power plant locations such as Siachen Base camp, Chushul, Battalik etc and an average of 1400 kg vegetables of high nutritive values were produced in each greenhouse by standardizing the practices and procedures. About 5000 MT of vegetables are locally grown for meeting Army’s requirements A Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was designed, developed and accepted by the Air Force. Series production of systems for deployment at all the Air Force Selection Boards of the IAF is underway. Yoga Training Modules have been developed for toning up cardio-respiratory, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems to maintain optimum physical fitness and mental health of troops deployed at high altitude extreme climates. Yoga training was provided to over 2000 personnel who were to be deployed at Siachen Glacier. MoU has been signed with Indian Railways for joint development of Biotoilets to be installed in rail coaches. Biotoilets have been installed in Lakshadweep Islands and NE region of India for safe disposal of human waste and MoUs signed with Indian Railways & Min. of Urban Development for installation in rail coaches & homes. MoU with Ministry of Urban Development is under process for joint development of biotoilets and their installation under mass civilian program.

Advanced materials have been always at the core of weapon systems and military hardware. Significant milestones were achieved in this critical area. A low-alloy steel “DMR-1700” with ultrahigh strength and high fracture toughness was developed as a cost effective replacement of 250 grade maraging steel. The alloy was successfully proven by successful demonstration in the intended application. A 500 ton per annum capacity titanium sponge plant based on DRDO technology was set up at Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). The Plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 27 Feb 2011. Light-weight composite armour for Mi-17-IV helicopter of IAF has successfully undergone integration and flight-trials. Technology developed for vacuum investment casting of gas turbine blades for Kaveri engine was extended for making high pressure turbine blades for land-based gas turbine for power generation. The runways at strategic locations often require rapid repairs. Many of these locations are in extreme cold regions where the normal concrete does not set in easily. Technology for rapid repair of runways in cold regions was developed and successfully demonstrated at sub zero temperature.

A dedicated team of DRDO engineers executed highly specialized nature of Civil works at some of the most difficult and hazardous area within the stipulated time frame. Agreements for co-operation / co-development in frontline areas of science, technology and engineering were signed with several countries.

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Prithvi-II missile, which has a maximum range of 350 kms, was test fired from a mobile launcher at the launch complex-3 in the ITR at around 1100 hours. Indian Navy flight tested Dhanush at around 10. a.m as a part of user training exercise.

Official sources said trials of both “Dhanush”, test-fired from INS Suvarna at a spot between Paradip and Puri, and Prithvi-II missiles were successful.

“Prithvi-II missile has proved its robustness and accuracy repeatedly during many trials earlier,” a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said.

The Prithvi – II missile was taken from the Indian Army production lot. Officials say that the missile has achieved single digit accuracy reaching close to zero circular error probability (CEP).

Dhanush is expected ro have two variants of ‘Dhanush’. The current Dhanush is of 250 kms. The newer version is will have a capability to hit targets 500 km away. Dhanush will achieve 500 kms by using a lighter warhead.

Both Dhanush and Prithvi Missiles were launched by the Strategic Force Command as part of the regular user training exercise. The Missiles were taken from the Depot and launched from both the locations within one hour duration by two independent teams.

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The Prithvi Missiles equipped with state of art guidance system have reached the specified targets with very high degree of accuracy. All the Radars, Electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations along the coast have monitored all the trajectory parameters of the vehicle throughout the mission. Ship located near the target location has witnessed the final event. This is the second time two Prithvi Missiles were flight tested successfully within a gap of one hour. All the launch operations of the two missiles were carried out by the Armed Forces and guided by the Scientists of DRDO.

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The DRDO exhibition is aimed at generating awareness about India’s indigenous capabilities in the area of high tech defence technologies among citizens, especially the youth who find defence R&D an exciting and professionally enriching career.

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The same was conveyed to me by a Retired Admiral, whom I do not want to name here. But, the Retd Admiral had more points to say. He was worried how south Vietnamese had slowly penetrated what he called a “North Vietnamese dominated government” in Vietnam. He said that, they will open doors for US to come into Vietnam. What US could not do in war, it will do in peace. I had asked him why not arm Vietnamese against Chinese? He replied that Vietnamese have last fought the Chinese and I don’t think they want to get into another confrontation.

We have been hearing reports of Vietnam wanting Prithvi Missile, Brahmos Missile and Indian Navy eyeing Cam Ran Bay port facilities. We then waited for all this to fructify as Chinese were supplying arms and other support to Pakistanis. But, it did not happen. Again, analyst told us that India did not want to antagonize china. India even did not develop its on areas bordering China. Vietnam was a far away land. Until 2 years back, India was in chorus with South East Asia propagating enough room for China. The quadrilateral exercise that India attended once fell apart. Australia, Japan, India and US were not quadrilateral any more.

Then Chinese cracked the whip. All the collective pretensions of “accommodate China” slogan went up in smoke. Suddenly China was in Kashmir, Spratly Islands and diplomatic offensive. China asked US for this side of the Pacific in joke, that did not go down well with the particular side that Chinese asked for. It also said that Indian Ocean is not “India’s Ocean.”

While south east Asia again began looking at US for sea lane protection, Indian Navy too chugged in with its newly acquired capabilities. Suddenly the Indian Maritime Doctrine talked about roles such as Military, Diplomatic, Constabulary and Benign. To the east, the current Admiral says that Indian area of interest is Strait of Malacca and Beyond. There have been high level exchange of defense personnel between the countries. Indian navy began by sending ship loads of spares for Vietnamese naval ships.

Back in 1991, the father of Modern India, Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao had begun India’s “look east policy.” The momentum went on even after other governments came in. In my opinion, we have reached the next milestone in military domain of Look East policy. In last few days, the India defence minister AK Antony was in Hanoi for First ASEAN Plus Eight Defence Ministers’ Meeting. He did not just go and read out a written text. We heard a slew of military to military co-operation efforts with Vietnam.

Vietnamese Gen Phung Quang Thanh, while expecting more Port Calls by the Indian naval ships, has offered maintenance and repair facilities for Indian naval ships in Vietnam Ports. It can serve both Indian and Vietnamese naval ships as both use Russian equipment.

Indian Army offered Mountain and Jungle Warfare Exercises. But, I sincerely hope, Indian Army will learn from Vietnamese how to build those enormous underground tunnels networks.

Of course, the offer of help in Information technology systems and English language to Vietnamese forces is commendable.

Even if India has been late in engaging Vietnam in military sphere, India should enable Vietnam with weapon systems for protecting itself from a larger adversary. This is not just the need of the hour, but also a historic responsibility for and of India in South east Asia.

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