India Successfully Test-Fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles from Odisha: Boosts Strategic Deterrence & High-Altitude Defence
India’s Strategic Missile Arsenal Flexes Again
On Thursday, India successfully conducted back-to-back test-firings of two key short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marking another milestone in the country’s indigenous missile development program.
According to the Ministry of Defence, all operational and technical parameters were validated, and the tests were conducted under the command of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which manages India’s nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile systems.
Operational Validation: A Key Strategic Move
Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I are surface-to-surface missiles designed for swift deployment and precision targeting. The successful test-firing of these ballistic missiles confirms India's capability to maintain credible deterrence amid growing regional security challenges.
These trials also reaffirm India's operational readiness and capacity to launch swift, high-accuracy strikes with domestically developed systems when required.
Akash Prime Hits Targets in Ladakh: High-Altitude Air Defence Reinforced
In a parallel development, the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system demonstrated its upgraded capability by successfully neutralising two high-speed aerial targets in Ladakh at altitudes above 4,500 meters.
This trial marks a significant achievement for India’s high-altitude air defence systems, especially considering Ladakh’s operational sensitivity. The Akash Prime system has been fine-tuned based on field feedback, and includes the following key upgrades:
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Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker
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Optimized performance in extreme high-altitude terrain
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Enhanced reaction time and target engagement accuracy
Collaborative Effort by Army, DRDO, and Defence PSUs
The development and validation of Akash Prime was a joint effort involving:
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Indian Army – Air Defence Units
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
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Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
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Private industry partners across India
The trials were part of the First of Production Model test firings and pave the way for the system’s formal induction into the Indian Army for deployment across high-altitude theatres, particularly in the northern frontiers.
Defence Minister and DRDO Chief Laud the Milestone
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, Indian Army, and the entire defence manufacturing ecosystem for this landmark achievement. He termed the successful tests as a major boost to India's air defence capabilities, especially in terrain that requires specialised operational performance.
Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, also praised the teams for fulfilling a critical air defence requirement and furthering India’s self-reliance in military technologies.
Significance Post-Operation Sindoor
This round of successful trials follows the exceptional deployment and performance of India’s air defence assets during Operation Sindoor, adding to India’s strategic confidence and technological credibility in global defence markets.
India’s evolving capability in missile technology and high-altitude warfare demonstrates its readiness to secure its borders while aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission in defence.
Conclusion: A Major Leap for India's Defence Preparedness
With the successful validation of Prithvi-II, Agni-I, and Akash Prime, India has taken another significant leap toward securing its strategic assets, enhancing deterrence, and modernising its indigenous defence architecture.
The synergy between military operators, research agencies, and industry players continues to build a robust foundation for India's future defence exports and readiness in modern warfare.
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