NEW DELHI: India on Thursday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range off the Odisha coast, reinforcing its strategic deterrence capabilities.
The tests, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, confirmed the missiles met all operational and technical parameters, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
A day earlier, India had also successfully tested the indigenously developed Akash Prime surface-to-air missile in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. The Akash Prime has been specifically modified to function at altitudes above 4,500 metres and was used to destroy two high-speed aerial targets, the ministry said.
The back-to-back missile tests come over two months after the military conflict between India and Pakistan from May 7 to 10.
The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 km and can carry a payload of up to 500 kg, capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Agni-I, with a range of 700–900 km, can carry a 1,000 kg payload. Both have long been pillars of India’s nuclear arsenal.
“Short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I were successfully launched from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on July 17,” the Defence Ministry said, adding that all technical and operational parameters were validated.
Regarding the Akash Prime test, the ministry noted its importance following the strong performance of India’s air defence systems during Operation Sindoor. Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the original Akash system, tailored for the Indian Army.
Highlighting its significance, the ministry said the missile test near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh demonstrated India’s growing capability in high-altitude warfare. The upgraded Akash system includes a domestically developed radio frequency seeker and other improvements based on operational feedback.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army, DRDO, and defence industry for their contributions to this “remarkable achievement.”
