India Bolsters Strategic Deterrence with Successful Tests of Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles

In a strong demonstration of its strategic capabilities, India successfully carried out consecutive test launches of two nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—on July 17, 2025. These launches, conducted off the Odisha coast, were part of routine training exercises carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) with support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). While the tests were part of regular operational readiness protocols, their successful execution sends a powerful message about India’s preparedness and indigenous defense strength.

A surface-to-surface Agni V missile is launched from the Wheeler Island off the eastern Indian state of Odisha, April 19, 2012. Representative image/Reuters | Firstpost

Prithvi-II: Precision in Tactical Deterrence

The Prithvi-II, one of India’s earliest indigenously developed ballistic missiles, was launched from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. With a strike range of approximately 350 kilometers, this single-stage, liquid-fuelled missile has been a key part of India’s tactical arsenal since its induction in 2003. The missile is equipped with an advanced inertial navigation system, ensuring exceptional accuracy, and is capable of carrying warheads ranging from 500 to 1,000 kilograms.

The July 17 test validated the Prithvi-II’s operational readiness, with officials confirming that the missile successfully struck its target with high precision. Its capability to deploy decoys and evade anti-missile systems further enhances its battlefield survivability, making it a vital component in India's deterrent posture.

Agni-I: Strengthening India’s Strategic Strike Capability

Soon after the Prithvi-II trial, India followed up with the launch of the Agni-I missile from Abdul Kalam Island. Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fuelled ballistic missile with a range of 700 to 900 kilometers. It has been developed to bridge the gap between the short-range Prithvi missiles and the longer-range Agni-II and Agni-III systems.

Agni-I is road-mobile and can be deployed quickly in various terrains, offering flexibility during wartime scenarios. It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 kilograms and employs state-of-the-art Ring Laser Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation Systems (RLG-INS) for guidance, augmented by satellite navigation systems and radar scene-matching technology. These features provide it with an impressive Circular Error Probability (CEP) of less than 25 meters—remarkable for a strategic missile.

Strategic Forces Command: Operational Excellence and Deterrence Assurance

The dual test launches were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which is responsible for managing India’s nuclear weapons stockpile and delivery systems. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that both missiles met their designated targets and mission objectives. The tests are part of regular user training to ensure systems’ reliability and readiness in real-time conditions.

While these launches are not linked to any specific geopolitical trigger, they reaffirm India’s doctrine of “Credible Minimum Deterrence”—a cornerstone of its nuclear policy that combines strategic restraint with assured response capability.

Contextual Significance: Regional Security and Technological Progress

The tests come at a time when regional tensions, particularly with Pakistan and China, continue to influence India’s security calculus. India has been consistently enhancing its defense capabilities, and these tests are part of a broader effort to maintain strategic balance in South Asia.

Interestingly, these launches followed the recent successful test of the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system at high altitude in Ladakh, a move seen as part of India’s growing focus on defending high-altitude regions and strengthening air defense readiness. The sequential nature of these tests indicates a well-coordinated operational timeline, showcasing India’s confidence in its missile systems and command infrastructure.

India’s ballistic missile arsenal now includes a wide range of capabilities—from the short-range Prithvi and Agni-I to the long-range Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of up to 8,000 kilometers. These developments reflect not only advancements in indigenous technology but also a matured defense ecosystem led by DRDO and supported by public-sector units and the armed forces.

Conclusion: A Clear Message of Readiness and Resolve

The successful back-to-back testing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles marks a major milestone in India’s defense preparedness. These launches reaffirm the robustness, precision, and reliability of India’s missile systems and strategic forces. More importantly, they send a strong and unambiguous message to adversaries and allies alike: India’s commitment to maintaining peace and security through strength remains unwavering.

While firmly upholding its no-first-use nuclear policy, India continues to ensure that its deterrent capability is modern, agile, and responsive. These routine yet impactful exercises are reminders of the nation’s defense maturity and its resolve to safeguard sovereignty against all threats.

(Sources: Firstpost, LiveMint, IndiaTV News)