India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). Additionally, the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile was successfully tested in high-altitude Ladakh (above 4,500 m), enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Conducted By: Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under supervision of DRDO.
- Purpose: Validate operational readiness, nuclear deterrence reliability, and combat accuracy.
- Significance: Strengthens minimum credible deterrence and India’s second-strike capability.
- Backdrop: Reinforces preparedness post May 2025 Indo-Pak conflict and ongoing LAC tensions with China.
Prithvi-II
- Type: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), surface-to-surface.
- Range: 250–350 km.
- Payload: Up to 500 kg (nuclear/conventional).
- Propulsion: Liquid fuel engine.
- Guidance: Inertial navigation system with high accuracy.
- Deployment: Road-mobile launcher.
- Speed: Mach 1+.
- Part of: Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Agni-I
- Type: Short-to-Medium Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM/MRBM).
- Range: 700–900 km.
- Payload: Up to 1,000 kg (nuclear/conventional).
- Mobility: Road and rail mobile.
- Role: Fills the gap between Prithvi series and longer-range Agni-II/III/IV/V.
- Inducted: Early 2000s.
- Strategic Role: Key part of India’s credible minimum deterrence doctrine.
Akash Prime (Upgraded)
- Type: Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM).
- Range: 25–30 km, altitude up to 4,500 m.
- Upgrades:
- Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for all-weather, high-accuracy targeting.
- Improved performance at high altitudes (tested in Ladakh).
- Usage: Defends mobile/static assets from aerial threats (aircraft, drones, missiles).
- Operational History: Showed strong results during Operation Sindoor (against Pakistani aerial threats).
- Features: Multi-target engagement, cross-country mobility, automated operations.
Strategic & Defence Significance
- Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture.
- Enhances readiness of Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
- Sends a strong signal amid regional security challenges with Pakistan & China.
- Demonstrates Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence R&D, reducing foreign arms dependency.
- Builds on user feedback-driven indigenous upgrades by DRDO.
DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)
- Established: 1958.
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Motto: “Strength’s Origin is in Science.”
- Major Projects: Missile Systems, Tejas LCA, Arjun MBT, UAVs, Air Defence Systems.
- First Missile under IGMDP: Prithvi (1988).
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
- Launched: 1983 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Missiles Developed (P-A-T-N-A):
- Prithvi – SRBM
- Agni – MRBM/IRBM/ICBM series
- Trishul – Short-range SAM
- Nag – Anti-tank missile
- Akash – Medium-range SAM
- Closed: 2008 after successful development.
Ballistic Missile Ranges (Global Standard Classification)
- SRBM: < 1,000 km
- MRBM: 1,000 – 3,000 km
- IRBM: 3,000 – 5,500 km
- ICBM: > 5,500 km (India’s Agni-V has ~5,000–5,500 km range).
Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- Formed: 2003.
- Role: Manages and operates India’s nuclear weapons arsenal.
- Reports to: Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) headed by PM.
Key Facts
- Prithvi-II induction: 2003 into Indian Army.
- Agni-I induction: 2004 into Indian Army.
- Akash system induction: 2009 (IAF), 2015 (Army).
- India’s longest-range missile: Agni-V (5,000+ km, ICBM).
- Missile Man of India: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.