Amid heavy rains, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile Prahaar from the Odisha coast on Thursday.
The sophisticated missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was mounted on a mobile launcher and was test-launched from Launch Pad-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, at about 1:35pm.
"It is a solid fuel short-range missile fitted with inertial navigation system," according to reports.
Prahaar is a quick reaction, all-weather, all-terrain, highly accurate battlefield support tactical weapon system.
Various tracking radars as well as electro-optic equipment are engaged to track and monitor the missiles trajectory.
Once inducted, Prahaar, with a strike range of 150km, will fill the vital gap between multi-barrel Pinaka and medium-range ballistic missile Prithvi. Unlike Prithvi, it can engage multiple targets in different directions.
READ MORE: Surgical strike anniversary 'celebration' a political tool, says ex-soldier
Reports suggest that the missile is capable of carrying different types of warheads and will operate as a battlefield support system to the Indian Army. It has a greater manoeuvring capability and acceleration, and can be deployed in different kinds of terrain, making it more effective against strategic targets.
Prior to the missile's test launch, 4,494 people residing within 2km radius of the Launch Pad-3 at Chandipur were temporarily evacuated to nearby shelters in the morning, officials said.
According to reports, a district revenue official said, "As a safety measure, 4,494 people residing in five villages adjacent to the missile launch site were temporarily shifted by the district administration to nearby two shelters with compensation."
They returned to their houses after getting clearance from ITR authorities soon after the test was over, the official said.
—With inputs from PTI
