India Conducts Successful Test of Agni Prime Nuclear-Capable Missile

India has achieved a significant milestone with the successful test-firing of its latest nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni Prime, off the coast of Odisha, in eastern India, earlier this week, announced military officials on Thursday.

Featuring a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000km, Agni Prime represents the latest advancement in missile technology and is hailed as the smallest member of the Agni series, according to reports from Indian media.

The joint test, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), showcased the missile's reliable performance, meeting all trial objectives, as confirmed by data from various range sensors deployed at strategic locations, including two downrange ships stationed at the terminal point, stated the Ministry of Defense in a released statement.

Reported by PTI, Agni Prime joins the existing Agni 1 to 4 series, boasting ranges from 700 to 3,500km, already deployed.

This new-generation missile incorporates advanced sensors, navigation, and guidance systems, making it the lightest and smallest variant within the Agni series, as highlighted by The Print.

Following its first pre-induction night launch on June 7, 2023, Wednesday's launch marked the second successful test.

Upon the completion of further tests, Agni Prime is set to be integrated into the Indian Army's arsenal. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh commended the agencies involved, emphasizing that Agni Prime will serve as an "excellent force multiplier" for the armed forces.

This development follows India's recent test flight of the domestically developed Agni 5 missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

With a range of 5,000km, these warheads enable precise targeting of enemy installations over vast distances, significantly bolstering India's defense capabilities.

Additionally, in response to regional threats, India is preparing to deploy Pralay, a surface-to-surface short-range missile akin to Russia’s Iskander, along disputed borders with China and Pakistan, as indicated by reports last year.