New Delhi: In a landmark demonstration of technological capability and strategic readiness, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), successfully conducted the maiden launch of the Agni-Prime (Agni-P) Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from a Rail-Based Mobile Launcher.
The test, carried out under a fully operational scenario, met all mission objectives, marking a significant stride in India’s missile deployment strategy and nuclear deterrence capability.
Agni-Prime: A Next-Gen Missile with 2,000 km Strike Range
The Agni-Prime missile, an advanced variant in the Agni series, is designed for a strike range of up to 2,000 kilometers. Equipped with cutting-edge guidance systems, composite materials, and canisterised launch capability, the missile offers enhanced accuracy, faster deployment, and improved survivability.
With its lightweight design, multi-stage configuration, and high mobility, Agni-P represents a generational leap in India’s indigenous missile technology.
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Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile was successfully tested on 24 Sep 2025 from a Rail based Mobile launcher. This will be a force multiplier to strategic forces, with a game changer road cum rail missile system pic.twitter.com/bEmDQoHNUf
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) September 25, 2025
Rail-Based Mobile Launcher: A Strategic Game Changer
The highlight of this test was the deployment from a specially designed Rail-Based Mobile Launcher, which can operate across India’s extensive railway network without the need for preconditions or dedicated infrastructure.
Key features of the Rail-Based Launcher include –
- Cross-country mobility
- Reduced launch detection visibility
- Short reaction time
- Self-contained power and communication systems
- Independent launch capability in varied terrain
This capability places India among a select group of nations with rail-based canisterised missile systems, greatly enhancing its second-strike capability and strategic mobility.
Flawless Execution and High-Precision Tracking
During the test, the missile’s trajectory was precisely monitored by a network of radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems. All systems performed seamlessly, ensuring what officials described as a “textbook launch.”
- Senior DRDO scientists, along with key officers from the SFC, were present to oversee the mission.
- Induction Path Cleared for Rail-Based Agni-P Systems
The successful launch sets the stage for the induction of rail-based Agni-P variants into India’s strategic arsenal. The missile’s road-mobile variant has already been inducted after a series of successful trials, adding versatility to India’s nuclear delivery platforms.
Leadership Commends DRDO and Armed Forces
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, saying –
“This successful test reinforces India’s strategic strength and deterrence capability. It also showcases our technological advancements and operational readiness.”
Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman also praised the scientists and strategic planners involved, emphasizing that the accomplishment demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in high-end missile systems.
Strengthening Strategic Depth and Technological Sovereignty
This milestone is not only a testament to India’s engineering excellence, but also a clear signal of its commitment to maintaining a robust and credible deterrent. The rail-based deployment adds a critical layer of survivability and unpredictability, key attributes for strategic stability in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
About SFC
India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC), established in 2003, is the military arm of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), responsible for the entire lifecycle of the nation’s nuclear weapons, including handling, storage, and launch from land, air, and sea platforms. It ensures the security, control, and operational readiness of India’s strategic nuclear deterrent and draws personnel from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with a tri-service Commander-in-Chief.
About DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s largest research organization, a network of laboratories under the Ministry of Defence, dedicated to developing advanced defense technologies, systems, and products for the Indian Armed Forces. Established in 1958, DRDO develops indigenous technologies across fields such as aeronautics, missiles, electronics, and naval systems, empowering the nation with state-of-the-art defense capabilities and fostering self-reliance.
