India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable short range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II & Agni-I from Chandipur

India has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from an integrated test range in Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its strategic deterrence capability. The Defence Ministry said the test-firing of the missiles, conducted by the elite Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters. On Wednesday, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Akash Prime missile in Ladakh that has been customised to operate at an altitude above 4,500 metres. The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 km, and it is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads. The Agni-I missile has a range of 700-900 km, and it can carry a payload of 1,000 kgs. Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles have been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence.
 
 
On the test-firing of the Akash missile, the ministry said it carries added significance as it follows the “exceptional performance” of India’s indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor. Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash weapon system built for the Indian Army. The test-firing of the missile in Ladakh assumed significance as it is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It said the weapon system is customised to operate at altitudes above 4,500 metres and has the latest upgrades including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker. The Defence Ministry said that based on operational feedback from users, various upgrades have been made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system.
 
 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Indian Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the industry on this remarkable achievement.