Whether or not Pakistan was able to successfully destroy one of the missiles, it is safe to assume that more are on their way.
India’s Prithvi tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) were developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
Launched in 1983 to achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology, the system is named for the Sanskrit word for “Earth.” Indeed, the Prithvi missile was India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile, with its initial test flight conducted in February 1988.
Understanding the Prithvi Missile System
The Prithvi is deployed by India’s Strategic Forces Command and is designed for primarily battlefield roles, and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. As the India-Pakistan war has intensified since the Islamist terror attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, 2025, the Pakistanis have stunned the Indians in their ability to shoot down incoming Indian attacks. One such claim by the Pakistani government—albeit unconfirmed so far—is that they recently downed one of India’ Prithvi missiles.
India’s Prithvi missile project developed three main variants tailored for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. Each one has distinct roles and specifications.
The Prithvi’s Three Variants
The Prithvi-I is the Indian Army variant. It has a range of 93 miles and can carry a payload of 2,000 pounds. This weapon is a single-stage, liquid-fueled rocket. The Prithvi-I is launched by India’s Army from Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs), typically Tatra eight-by-eight trucks—giving it a measure of mobility and making it difficult to strike back against. This weapon is usually meant to target enemy fortifications, airfields, or logistics.
India’s Air Force (IAF) utilizes the Prithvi-II. The missile has an extended range of 220 miles and can carry a payload of up 2,200 pounds. It, too, is a single-stage, liquid-fueled rocket. This system features design improvements over the Prithvi-I. The Prithvi-II can be used to strike targets like enemy air bases or command centers. Crucially, it, too, is nuclear-capable—making it integral to India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
Finally, the Prithvi-III—the naval variant of the missile—has a range of around 220 miles and can carry a payload of up to 2,200 pounds. The third missile in the class is a ship-launched ballistic missile intended for anti-ship roles, or for striking coastal targets such as enemy ports. The weapon requires a hydraulically-stabilized launch platform; it, too, can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.
All Prithvi missiles can reach around Mach 2.8, or just over 2,000 miles per hour. And India has dozens of the missiles prepared. Whether or not Pakistan was able to successfully destroy one, if the war continues its escalation, it is safe to assume that more are on their way.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
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