Why this matters now
Prithvi is tested for: IGMDP 1983; 25 February 1988 first test (Sriharikota); 3 variants by service (Army/IAF/Navy); the sub-kiloton nuclear-warhead capability; the Dhanush naval variant fired from ships (1st test 11 April 2000); the Prahaar next-gen (150 km, tactical, mobile launcher, 21 July 2011); and Prithvi’s phase-out by Agni Prime (1000-2000 km canisterised).
Variants
| Variant | Service | Range | Payload | 1st test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prithvi-I | Indian Army (333 Missile Group 1994) | 150 km | 1000 kg conventional/nuclear | 25 Feb 1988 |
| Prithvi-II | Indian Air Force (Strategic Forces Cmd 2003) | 250-350 km | 500-1000 kg | 27 Jan 1996 |
| Prithvi-III / Dhanush | Indian Navy (ship-launched from INS Subhadra) | 350-600 km | 500-1000 kg | 11 April 2000 (Dhanush) |
| Prahaar | Army (next-gen tactical) | 150 km | 200 kg | 21 July 2011 |
| Pragati | Export variant of Prahaar | 170-350 km | 200 kg | Unveiled 2013 Seoul ADEX |
Prithvi-I is being phased out by the Strategic Forces Command in favour of Agni Prime + Pralay (155-500 km, surface-to-surface, 1st test 22 Dec 2021). Pralay is India’s answer to China’s DF-12.
Technology
Prithvi uses single-stage liquid-fuel rocket engine (originally) and now solid-propellant variants. Inertial guidance + strap-down navigation. Mobile launcher (TEL — Transporter Erector Launcher): Tatra-based 8×8 chassis. CEP (Circular Error Probable): 10-50m for Prithvi-II + III (improved by mid-course inertial + terminal guidance).
Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) Hyderabad + Indian Telephone Industries Bharatkheti. Total ~600 Prithvis produced. Operational since 1994 (Prithvi-I), 2003 (Prithvi-II SFC induction).
Strategic role
Prithvi-I was India’s first nuclear-capable ballistic missile — entered service before Pokhran-II (1998). Reportedly deployed in Operation Brasstacks (1986-87) stand-off and during Kargil 1999 + Operation Parakram 2001-02. Prithvi-II is the workhorse of SFC for tactical nuclear strike on Pakistan — its short flight time (3 minutes for 250 km) makes it survivable. Phase-out due to liquid-fuel handling difficulty + the better-canisterised Agni Prime succession.
UPSC angle
Know PRITHVI MISSILE FAMILY — INDIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS SRBM, FIRST IGMDP PROJECT 1983 Kalam; FIRST TEST 25 FEBRUARY 1988 Sriharikota; PRITHVI-I 150 km Army 333 Missile Group 1994, 1000 kg conv/nuclear, 1st test 25 Feb 1988; PRITHVI-II 250-350 km IAF 1996, SFC induction 2003 (workhorse); PRITHVI-III/DHANUSH 350-600 km Navy ship-launched INS Subhadra 1st test 11 April 2000; PRAHAAR next-gen tactical 150 km Army 200 kg 1st test 21 July 2011; PRAGATI export variant Prahaar 170-350 km Seoul ADEX 2013; PRALAY 155-500 km surface-to-surface 1st test 22 Dec 2021 (answer to China DF-12); single-stage liquid then solid propellant; Tatra 8×8 TEL launcher; CEP 10-50m; BDL Hyderabad + Bharatkheti manufacturers; ~600 Prithvis produced; FIRST nuclear-capable BM India (entered service BEFORE Pokhran-II 1998); reportedly deployed Brasstacks 1986-87 + Kargil 1999 + Op Parakram 2001-02; PHASING OUT due to liquid-fuel handling + better Agni Prime canisterised succession.
Frequently asked questions
Which is India’s first indigenous ballistic missile?
Prithvi — first test-fired 25 February 1988 from Sriharikota; the inaugural project of IGMDP 1983 under Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
What are the three Prithvi variants?
Prithvi-I (150 km, Army), Prithvi-II (250-350 km, IAF), Prithvi-III/Dhanush (350-600 km, Navy).
What is Pralay?
India’s 155-500 km surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile — tested 22 December 2021. Intended to replace Prithvi-I and counter China’s DF-12.
What is Dhanush?
The naval ship-launched variant of Prithvi-III — first tested 11 April 2000 from INS Subhadra.