New Delhi, 25 September (Udaipur Kiran News): India on Thursday successfully tested a rail-mobile launch of the Agni Prime medium-range ballistic missile, authorities said. The missile — nuclear-capable and rated for a range of up to 2,000 kilometres — reached its target with reported precision during the trial, Defence Ministry officials added.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the Agni Prime. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the armed forces for the successful test. DRDO Secretary and Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat also praised the efforts of the SFC and DRDO teams and said the weapon will strengthen India’s strategic deterrence.
Test details
Officials said this was the first time the new-generation, long-range, nuclear-capable Agni Prime was launched from a rail-mobile launcher. Earlier developmental trials of the missile had been carried out from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, the statement said.
According to the Defence Ministry, flight data and instrument readings from radars, telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems at multiple range stations and two down-range ships confirmed that the missile met all mission objectives and struck the intended target with high accuracy.
About Agni Prime
The Agni Prime belongs to the Agni series of modern, precision-capable, medium-range ballistic missiles. It is described by officials as a two-stage missile with a maneuverable re-entry vehicle as its third stage — enabling remote steering of the terminal phase for precise targeting. The system can perform multiple mission roles and, officials said, can carry warheads in the 1,500–3,000 kg range.
A defence official involved with the Agni project said the weapon will eventually replace the single-stage Agni-I in the arsenal. A canisterised variant is planned too, allowing launch from road-mobile and mobile platforms. The Agni Prime was launched in the test from a BEML-Tatra transporter erector launcher (TEL).
Developmental history and operational validation
DRDO records cited in the release note that the Agni Prime completed three successful developmental tests, after which users conducted two pre-induction night launches that validated system accuracy and reliability. The most recent earlier night test took place on 4 April 2024, while the first pre-induction night launch occurred on 7–8 June 2023, the statement said.
During the latest trial, mission instrumentation — including radars, telemetry stations and electro-optical trackers placed along the flight corridor and on down-range vessels — captured flight performance data that, according to officials, fully validated the missile system.
Defence officials said the Agni Prime’s combination of precision, mobility and survivability will add a significant capability to India’s nuclear and conventional deterrent forces.
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