Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles Successfully Tested off Odisha

The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, were successfully test-fired. The tests took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launches validated all operational and technical parameters.

Prithvi-II

Prithvi-II is a surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile. It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 km. It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs. capabilities to carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads. It uses a liquid propulsion system and is equipped with advanced inertial navigation technology for precision targeting.

Also read: India’s Next-Generation Arsenal in Pipeline of DRDO

Agni-I

Agni-I is a short-to-medium range ballistic missile developed by the DRDO. The missile has a range of 700-900 km, and it can carry a payload of 1,000 kgs. It fills the gap between the Prithvi series and longer-range Agni missiles. It uses a solid propulsion system and is road and rail mobile. Agni-I is also capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles have been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence.

The successful launches reinforce India’s status as a responsible nuclear power with reliable indigenous missile capabilities. They assure operational flexibility, deterrence, and rapid response capacity in dynamic threat scenarios.

Akash Prime tested in Ladakh

The development comes days after the Indian Army successfully tested the indigenously developed Air Defence System “Akash Prime” in Ladakh. The system has been customised to operate at an altitude above 4,500 metres. It has the latest upgrades. These include an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker. A senior official confirmed the Army Air Defence Corps conducted the trials. They worked in collaboration with senior scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This organisation developed the missile system.

On the test-firing of the Akash missile, the ministry said it carries added significance. This is because it follows the “exceptional performance” of India’s indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor.

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