Agni-Prime Makes Rail Debut: India Tests 2,000-Km Strike Missile In Reduced Visibility Configuration

New Delhi: India on Thursday carried out the first-ever launch of the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, underscoring a significant leap in its strategic capabilities.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and tested with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), Agni-Prime can strike targets up to 2,000 kilometres away. The missile is equipped with a canisterised solid-fuel system, advanced guidance and navigation, and enhanced accuracy over earlier variants.

The specially designed rail launcher can move freely on the national network, offering cross-country mobility, reduced visibility, quick reaction time and self-sustained launch support. Along with the already inducted road-mobile variant, Agni-Prime strengthens India’s second-strike capability and provides a flexible, survivable deterrent.

The missile’s trajectory was tracked by ground stations and described as a “textbook launch", with senior DRDO scientists and SFC officers present.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, SFC and the armed forces, calling the test a milestone that places India among nations with canisterised rail launch capability. The DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, also hailed the achievement, terming it a step towards Aatmanirbharta in defence.

ALSO READ: India Successfully Launches Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Mobile Launcher