India successfully tested a new, short range Surface to Surface (SS) missile today to attack targets as near as 40 km with destructive power. Its maximum range is 150 km

BALASORE (ODISHA): Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Prahar’, from Launch Complex-III, ITR, Balasore in Odisha, today.

Range stations and Electro-Optical systems tracked the missile throughout its flight. ‘Prahar’ is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and neutralising a wide variety of targets.

The missile was launched from a mobile launcher.

"It is a solid fuelled short-range missile fitted with inertial navigation system," sources said.

It is a quick reaction, all-weather, all-terrain, highly accurate battlefield support tactical weapon system, the sources said.

Various tracking radars as well as electro-optic equipment are engaged to track and monitor the missiles trajectory.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO for the successful mission and said “indigenously developed ‘Prahar’ will further strengthen our defence capabilities.”

Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy witnessed the launch and complimented all the team members.

Prior to the missiles test launch, 4,494 people residing within 2 km radius of the launch pad No.-3 at Chandipur were temporarily evacuated to nearby shelters in the morning, officials said.

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.