Balasore, Odisha: India achieved a major milestone with the successful test of the Agni-Prime missile on Wednesday night at the Integrated Test Range in Balasore, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Officials confirmed that the test successfully met all objectives and was unique as it was carried out from a specially designed rail-based mobile launcher—a capability possessed by only a few nations worldwide.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared details and a video of the test on his official X account, stating, “India has carried out the successful launch of the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based Mobile Launcher system. This next-generation missile is designed to cover a range of up to 2,000 km and is equipped with multiple advanced features.”

He added that this successful flight has placed India among the select countries with a canisterised launch system capable of operating on a rail network without preconditions, offering cross-country mobility and rapid launch capability.

The rail-based launcher system provides game-changing operational flexibility. Static train coaches fitted with the mobile launcher were used for the trial, demonstrating that the system can move freely across India’s railway network without prior restrictions.

Defence officials highlighted that this cross-country mobility allows for missile launches at short notice and with reduced visibility, significantly enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.

The Agni-Prime missile is an advanced, next-generation intermediate-range ballistic missile with a strike range of approximately 2,000 kilometres. It incorporates modern technologies that improve accuracy, reliability, and operational flexibility compared to earlier Agni series missiles.

Officials also noted that the technology demonstrated in this trial could be extended to other Agni-class missiles in the future.