India successfully tests Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles in Odisha

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 conducted by the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine training and validation exercises. Both missiles met all mission objectives and technical parameters, reaffirming 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 conducted a high-altitude test of the indigenous Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh, at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash Prime system scored direct hits on two high-speed aerial targets during the trial, showcasing its precision in extreme terrain and atmospheric conditions.

The test was observed by senior officials from the Army’s Air Defence wing and DRDO. Defence officials confirmed that Akash Prime will be deployed in the Army’s third and fourth Akash Regiments, further enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.

The Akash air defence system has previously demonstrated its operational value, notably during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully intercepted aerial threats involving Chinese fighter aircraft and Turkish drones used by Pakistani forces.