India on Thursday successfully conducted the launch of the Agni-Prime, an advanced intermediate-range ballistic missile, from a rail-based mobile launcher system.
The test, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant milestone in India’s strategic capabilities. The Agni-Prime is designed to cover a range of up to 2,000 kilometres and will gradually replace older missiles in the same category.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the exercise as a “first-of-its-kind” test, praising the innovation behind the specially designed rail-based mobile launcher.
“This is the first-of-its-kind launch carried out from a specially designed rail-based mobile launcher,” Singh said. “The successful flight test has placed India among a select group of nations with a canisterised launch system from an on-the-move rail network.”
Singh congratulated the DRDO, Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Armed Forces for the achievement, terming it a crucial step in strengthening India’s deterrence capabilities.
The Agni-Prime, a canisterised missile system, offers better mobility, faster deployment, and enhanced survivability—making it a key asset in India’s strategic arsenal.
