India Tests Twin-Engine Nuclear-Capable Missile

India demonstrated its nuclear deterrence capability by testing the Prithvi II MRBM. Over the next two days, it has lined up tests of an Advanced Air Defense Interceptor and Agni I missiles.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India has successfully test-fired two nuclear capable Prithvi II missiles, in a demonstration of reliability of its nuclear arsenal. The two surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) were fired back to back in salvo mode from two mobile launchers off the coast of Odisha from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.

India successfully test-fires nuclear capable #Prithvi-II missile twice in quick succession as part of user trial. (File Photo) pic.twitter.com/K2aleOECgh

— Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) November 21, 2016

​Prithvi II missile has a range of 350 kilometers and can carry warheads of up to 500 — 1000 kilograms. It is a significant addition to India's strike options in case of nuclear attack. It has the capability to strike targets precisely using advanced inertial guidance system with maneuvering trajectory.

The single-stage liquid-fueled Prithvi II missile was inducted into the Indian armed force in 2003 and is India's first missile to be developed by the state owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

India has lined up two more nuclear-capable missile tests this week. They include the more sophisticated Advanced Air Defense (AAD) interceptor which is capable of destroying incoming enemy missiles of more than 2,000 km range and the Agni-I with a 700 km range. Agni-I and AAD interceptor will be launched from LC-IV in the Abdul Kalam Island in full operational configuration on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.