Finance
India on Thursday successfully test-fired two key strategic ballistic missiles – the short-range Prithvi-II and Agni-I – from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, the Ministry of Defence announced.
According to the Ministry, the launches were carried out by the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine training and validation operations. Both missiles successfully completed all mission goals and technical parameters, demonstrating their accuracy and operational readiness.
“These tests validate key capabilities of India’s nuclear-capable delivery systems and demonstrate the robustness of its indigenous missile arsenal,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Prithvi-II and Agni-I are part of India’s domestically developed strategic missile systems and play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s defence preparedness.
The successful trials come just a day after the Indian Army performed a high-altitude test of the indigenous Akash Prime air defense system in Ladakh, at an elevation of around 15,000 feet.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash Prime system achieved direct strikes on two high-speed aerial targets during the exercise, demonstrating its precision in harsh terrain and meteorological circumstances.
Senior officials from the Army’s Air Defence Wing and DRDO observed the test. Defence authorities revealed that Akash Prime will be deployed in the Army’s third and fourth Akash Regiments, bolstering India’s air defense capabilities.
The Akash air defence system has previously proved its operational worth, most notably during Operation Sindoor, when it successfully intercepted aerial threats including Chinese fighter aircraft and Turkish drones operated by Pakistani forces.
