India has successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime, an intermediate-range missile, using a rail-grounded mobile launcher system. On Thursday, this event marked another significant achievement in India’s defense capabilities, as the missile was launched from a specially modified platform designed to integrate with the rail network. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the success of this test on X, calling it a ‘first-of-its-kind launch.’ He stated that this event signifies a new advancement in India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Singh noted that the rail-based missile launcher is fully operational on the national railway grid without any special requirements. This designed platform enhances mobility across the country and allows for rapid response with minimal visibility.
He also congratulated the DRDO, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the Armed Forces for the successful trial. Singh emphasized that the successful launch of Agni-Prime places India among a select group of nations that have developed a canisterized launch system integrated with a mobile rail-based platform. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a strike range of up to 2,000 kilometers, having been previously tested in August at Chandipur, Odisha. This latest development follows the Agni-5 trial conducted in March 2024 under ‘Mission Divyastra,’ which showcased the Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability. The MIRVed missile can carry three to four nuclear warheads targeting different locations.
At present, the SFC possesses missiles with a single warhead, which were introduced in 2003. The Agni-5 is a solid-fueled, three-stage canister-launched ballistic missile that can be prepared for deployment on short notice if necessary. Singh concluded by congratulating the DRDO, the SFC, and the Armed Forces on this successful launch, labeling it a notable milestone for India’s intermediate-range missile defense.
