The Prithvi missile series—featuring Prithvi 1 Missile, Prithvi 2 Missile, and Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile)—represents India’s earliest and most significant achievements in indigenous missile development under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Designed to meet the specific operational needs of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, these short-range ballistic missiles offer precision strike capability, robust mobility, and dependable performance across varied battle environments. Together, they form a versatile tri-service missile family that strengthens India's tactical strike potential and showcases the nation’s growing technological self-reliance in strategic defence systems.

1. Prithvi 1 Missile

Prithvi 1 Missile is a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of India’s pioneering Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). As the first missile to emerge from the IGMDP, it represents a landmark achievement in India’s journey toward indigenous missile technology and strategic self-reliance.

Engineered for the Indian Army’s tactical strike missions, Prithvi 1 Missile is designed to deliver high-accuracy, quick-reaction firepower against critical enemy assets such as command canters, ammunition depots, and troop formations. Its robust mobile launch system, combined with a capable guidance mechanism and substantial payload capacity, enables the missile to perform precision strikes in dynamic battlefield environments. With its proven reliability and operational flexibility, Prithvi 1 Missile continues to play a significant role in strengthening India's short-range deterrence and battlefield readiness.

Features of Prithvi 1 Missile

• High-accuracy tactical battlefield missile.
• Mobile, quick-reaction system.
• Capable of carrying large payloads for short-range impacts.
• Part of India’s early missile modernization efforts under IGMDP.

Role & Usage of Prithvi 1 Missile

Prithvi 1 Missile is intended for tactical battlefield support, providing short-range precision strikes against enemy troop concentrations, supply depots, command canters, and infrastructure.

Key Specifications of Prithvi 1 Missile:

Prithvi 2 Missile

Prithvi 2 Missile is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet the strategic and tactical requirements of the Indian Air Force. As the second missile in India’s Prithvi missile series, it incorporates significant advancements in range, accuracy, and overall performance compared to Prithvi 1 Missile.

Designed for precision strike roles, Prithvi 2 Missile offers extended reach, improved guidance technology, and enhanced payload flexibility, enabling it to engage a wide spectrum of targets with high reliability. Its refined propulsion system and optimized flight control mechanisms ensure superior accuracy and mission adaptability, making it a vital component of India’s short-range deterrence posture. Through its upgraded capabilities and proven operational record, Prithvi 2 Missile reinforces India’s commitment to indigenous missile development and strengthens the nation’s tactical strike readiness.

Features of Prithvi 2 Missile

• Improved accuracy and range compared to Prithvi 1 Missile.
• Dual-use tactical missile suitable for battlefield and strategic roles.
• Mobile launch capability enhances survivability.
• Capable of carrying various warhead types depending on mission needs.

Role & Usage Prithvi 2 Missile

Prithvi 2 Missile serves as a tactical and strategic short-range missile for:

• Striking high-value targets
• Deep interdiction missions
• Deterrence and battlefield support

Key Specifications of Prithvi 2 Missile:

Prithvi 3 Missile(Dhanush)

Prithvi 2 Missile, widely known as Dhanush, is a ship-launched short-range ballistic missile (SLBM/SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. As the dedicated naval variant of the Prithvi missile family, Dhanush missile is engineered to be launched from specially modified naval vessels equipped with a stabilised launcher platform, ensuring accurate firing even in maritime conditions.

Developed under the prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), Prithvi 3 Missile enhances India’s sea-based tactical strike and deterrence capability. Its ability to deliver precision strikes against coastal and land-based strategic targets provides the Indian Navy with a credible, survivable, and flexible offensive option. With its robust design, sea-based mobility, and mission adaptability, Dhanush missile plays a vital role in augmenting India’s maritime strike power and strengthening the nation’s pursuit of self-reliant missile technology.

Features of Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile)

• Naval variant of the Prithvi missile series with stabilization for ship launches.
• Capable of high-precision strikes on coastal and strategic land targets.
• Sea-based launch adds survivability and enhances India’s strike capability.
• Designed for quick deployment and mobility on naval vessels.

Role & Usage of Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile)

Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile) is used for:

• Sea-based tactical strike roles
• Precision attacks on coastal military installations
• Strengthening India’s nuclear triad (sea, land, air) — though mainly used in conventional roles

Key Specifications of Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile) 

CONCLUSION

The Prithvi missile family—comprising Prithvi 1 Missile, Prithvi 2 Missile, and Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile)—stands as a landmark achievement in India’s pursuit of indigenous missile capability under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Each variant has been purpose-built to meet the operational needs of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, forming a versatile and effective short-range strike system across land, air, and sea domains.

Prithvi 1 Missile laid the foundation with its reliable tactical battlefield role, while Prithvi 2 Missile expanded India’s strategic reach with enhanced range, accuracy, and mission flexibility. Prithvi 3 Missile (Dhanush missile) further strengthened the nation’s deterrence posture by enabling sea-based precision strikes from mobile naval platforms. Together, the Prithvi missile series demonstrates India’s technological progress, operational readiness, and commitment to self-reliance in missile development. These systems continue to serve as a vital component of India’s short-range defence and strike capabilities.