India successfully test-fires Prithvi-II and Agni-1 ballistic missiles from Odisha range

India on Thursday conducted back-to-back test-firings of two short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-1—from its missile testing facility in Chandipur, Odisha. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful launch of both systems, stating they met all mission objectives.

The Ministry posted on social media platform X that both launches were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, the military arm responsible for managing India’s nuclear arsenal.



“All operational and technical parameters have been validated. The launches were conducted under the aegis of Strategic Forces Command,” the ministry said.

"The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," it said.

According to PTI reports, the Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kms 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 kms 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 Wednesday, India also test-fired the indigenously developed Akash Prime missile in Ladakh. This missile is designed to operate at altitudes above 4,500 meters.

The ministry noted the Akash missile test is significant, following the "exceptional performance" of India's air defense systems during Operation Sindoor.

Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash weapon system for the Indian Army. The test-firing in Ladakh is important because of its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The ministry said that "India on July 16 achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying two aerial high speed unmanned targets at high-altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of Akash weapon system for the Indian Army."

The upgraded system includes an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker and is customized to operate at high altitudes.

The defence ministry said that "Based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the industry for this achievement.

(With inputs from PIB, ANI, PTI)