Chandipur (Orissa), May 23 : India on Friday successfully test fired the indigenous surface-to-surface 'Prithvi' missile, from the integrated test range (ITR) here, 15 km from Balasore.

The Prithvi missile was test-fired, as part of a user's trial by the Indian Army and was successful, defence sources confirmed.

"Mounted on a mobile tatra transporter-erector launcher, the sophisticated missile took off vertically at about 10:30 a. m. and plunged into the pre-designated splash-down point in the Bay of Bengal," the sources added.

The Prithvi has a range of 150 to 250 km, which can carry an explosives payload of 1000 kg.

The 8.56 metre-long and one metre thick Prithvi missile forms part of the Defence Research Development Organisation's (DRDO) Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

Powered by liquid propellant, the Prithvi can operate with both liquid as well as solid fuel.

The test was jointly conducted by the DRDO and the special missile regiment raised by the army. (ANI)