DRDO to conduct user trials for four missiles

Balasore: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is all set to test a variety of long-range and short-range missiles sometime over the next two months. The missiles will include the short-range Prithvi, the medium-range Agni, the supersonic BrahMos and the land variant of the K-15 missiles.

While the Prithvi and Agni-II missiles are expected to be tested first in October, the BrahMos and the land variant of the K-15, dubbed the Shaurya, will be test fired sometime in November.

In a flurry of activity, the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Balasore in Orissa will also have hosted a three-day target simulation exercise for the Indian Air Force from Monday, involving the use of the Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA).

According to sources, the DRDO is leaving no stone unturned for a successful outcome to these trials as they are a critical part of the country's nuclear and conventional missile arsenal.

All tests are going to be user trials with particular focus on the Agni-II and the K-15 Shaurya missiles.

"The four missiles had already been tested successfully from the ITR. Those have already been inducted in the Indian army, with the exception of K-15. The fresh trials are intended to gauge the accuracy of these missiles that will be tested with some new technologies," a defence scientist said.