India’s landmark Agni-Prime Missile Test from Rail-Based launcher enhances strategic readiness

Launched from the Chandipur Integrated Test Range in Odisha, the canisterized Agni-Prime demonstrated a precise trajectory and robust performance, validating its 2,000 km strike capability and readiness for deployment under diverse conditions.

The rail-mounted launcher, uniquely designed to traverse India’s extensive railway network, offers rapid reach from forests and plains to hilly terrains. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that this “first-of-its-kind” mobile launcher enables the Strategic Forces Command to position and fire missiles swiftly—day or night, even in foggy weather—bolstering India’s second-strike potential. By concealing missile canisters among regular rail cargo, the system complicates adversary targeting and reduces launch preparation time, ensuring high operational alertness.

Developed by DRDO, Agni-Prime integrates lightweight composites and a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, drawing on technologies from Agni-4 and Agni-5. Its advanced guidance suite, equipped with electromechanical actuators, ensures pinpoint accuracy for conventional or nuclear payloads. The canister’s protective enclosure safeguards the missile against moisture, dust, and mechanical stress, minimizing maintenance requirements and enabling long-term storage.

This milestone places India among a select group of nations—alongside Russia, China, North Korea, and potentially the U.S.—capable of launching missiles from mobile rail platforms. Earlier this year, India also tested the ULPGM-V3 precision-guided missile from a drone and conducted successful trials of the VSHORADS, MRSAM, Astra BVRAAM, and ET-LDHCM systems, underscoring rapid progress in indigenous missile technology.

The Agni-Prime rail-launcher test reinforces India’s strategic deterrence posture and signals a new era in missile mobility and survivability. As DRDO continues to expand the Agni series’ capabilities, this achievement enhances national security and demonstrates India’s growing prowess in missile defense innovation.