India Successfully Tests Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Launcher

In a landmark achievement, India has successfully carried out the first test launch of the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher. The announcement was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the Armed Forces for the breakthrough.

The Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile, with a strike capability of up to 2,000 kilometres, was launched on 24 September 2025 under a full operational scenario. The test was monitored by radars, sensors, and ground stations, and all mission objectives were successfully met.

According to officials, the rail-based launcher is a first-of-its-kind system that can move freely across India’s vast railway network without special requirements. This gives the Armed Forces the ability to deploy missiles rapidly, maintain high mobility, and reduce visibility, making the system more difficult for adversaries to track or target.

The Agni-Prime, also known as Agni-P, is part of India’s new generation of ballistic missiles. It is canisterised, making it easier to transport and launch, and comes equipped with advanced guidance and precision technologies. The missile adds to India’s growing arsenal by providing both road- and rail-based launch options.

Experts believe this development places India in the elite group of nations with the capability to deploy rail-based ballistic missile launch systems, a technology mastered by only a handful of countries. It also strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture by improving survivability and second-strike capability.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the test was a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. He described the success as a “significant milestone” in India’s pursuit of advanced strategic technologies and a stronger national security framework.