India on Thursday carried out a successful first test-launch of a quick-response, short-range missile, news reports said. The single-stage missile named Prahaar, which in Hindi means attack, has a range of 150 kilometres and is 7.8 metres long, weighs 1.2 tonnes and was developed domestically.
It was tested from a range in the eastern state of Orissa, the IANS news agency reported. Defence Research and Development Organisation chief VK Saraswat said the missile hit its target in the Bay of Bengal. He said Prahaar is highly manoeuvrable and could be quickly deployed in any terrain by mobile road launchers. Each launcher could carry six missiles.
The new missile, which can carry conventional warheads, is aimed at filling the gap between India's multibarrel Pinaka rocket system with a range of 40 kilometres and the nuclear-capable Prithvi, which has a range of 350 kilometres. India has spent decades developing a missile defence system. It has fought brief wars in the past on its western and northern borders with neighbours Pakistan and China.
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