Ballistic missile test-fired from ITR at Chandipur

An indigenously developed surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile was test-fired from the Odisha coast Thursday amid heavy rains, official sources said.

The sophisticated missile was test launched from launch pad-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, near here at about 1:35 pm.

The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was launched from a mobile launcher.

"It is a solid fuelled short-range missile fitted with inertial navigation system," the sources said.

It is a quick reaction, all-weather, all-terrain, highly accurate battlefield support tactical weapon system, the sources said.

Various tracking radars as well as electro-optic equipment are engaged to track and monitor the missiles trajectory.

Prior to the missiles test launch, 4,494 people residing within 2 km radius of the launch pad No.-3 at Chandipur were temporarily evacuated to nearby shelters in the morning, officials said.

A district revenue official said, "As a safety measure, 4,494 people residing in five villages adjacent to the missile launch site were temporarily shifted by the district administration to nearby two shelters with compensation."