India successfully testfires nuclear-capable Prithvi II missile

NEW DELHI -- India Thursday successfully testfired its home-made, nuclear-capable Prithvi II missile from a defense base in the eastern state of Odisha, sources said.

"The surface-to-surface missile, with a strike range of 350 kms and capable of carrying 1,000 kg warhead, was testfired as part of a user trial by the Indian Army," sources said.

Prithvi II has two engines that are thrusted by liquid propulsion. The missile uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.

The missile was inducted into the armed forces in 2003 after the state-run Defense Research and Development Organization developed its India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

The last testfiring took place successfully in February this year from the same test range in Odisha.