India on Wednesday postponed the launch of two surface-to-surface Prithvi II ballistic missiles due to technical problems.
The two indigenously built missiles were supposed to be test-launched back to back from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off Odisha coast, about 230 km
east of Bhubaneswar, by Strategic Forces Command of the Army with the logistics support from Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) to demonstrate the country's preparedness in a war-like situation.
A one-line press note from SP Dash, director, ITR said: "Today Prithvi launch is postponed due to technical snag."
Prithvi II is India's first indigenous surface-to-surface strategic missile developed under the country's most ambitious integrated guided missile development programme.
The missile, designed to deliver advanced conventional warheads deep into enemy territory, was first launched successfully in 1988. Since then, it is being test-launched from time to time by the Army.
Developed as a battlefield missile, the 9-metre thick missile, with a launch weight of 4.6 tonne, has a strike range of upto 350 km and can carry nuclear warhead as a tactical nuclear weapon. It has a capacity to carry a payload of upto 1000 kg but reducing the weight can enhance the strike range.