Successful Missile Test-Fires from Odisha
INDIAN DEFENCE
India Successfully Test-Fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles from Odisha, Reinforcing Strategic Readiness
In a major demonstration of its strategic deterrence capabilities, India successfully conducted night-time test launches of two of its nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from separate launch sites off the coast of Odisha on July 17, 2025. The trials were conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and were closely monitored by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The tests took place at the Chandipur and Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island) testing ranges, located on the eastern seaboard. Both launches were reported to be routine user trials, intended to validate the operational readiness of India’s missile arsenal and ensure the consistency of performance parameters like trajectory, range, and re-entry stability under operational conditions.
The Prithvi-II, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of around 350 km, was launched first. Developed indigenously, it is a liquid-fueled missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. Defence sources confirmed that the missile hit its target with high accuracy, meeting all mission objectives. The missile is primarily used by the Indian Army and is part of India’s strategic second-strike capability.
Shortly after, the Agni-I missile was tested. This medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) has a strike range of 700–900 km and is capable of carrying a 1,000 kg payload, including nuclear warheads. It is powered by a solid-fuel propulsion system and has proven its reliability in numerous previous tests. Like Prithvi-II, Agni-I is an essential component of India’s triad-based nuclear doctrine, especially for regional deterrence.
The Defence Ministry released a statement noting that both missile tests were fully successful, with tracking systems, radars, and observation posts monitoring every phase of flight in real-time. Ships deployed in the Bay of Bengal also participated in the monitoring exercise. Officials stated that these successful tests reaffirm India’s credible minimum deterrence policy and highlight the robustness of its missile command structure.
Experts believe the dual test-firing is also a signal of strength amid a volatile regional security environment, with increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and persistent challenges on India’s western and northern borders. As India continues to modernize its armed forces, such routine user trials reflect both strategic signaling and technical consistency in high-stakes defence scenarios.
These trials are particularly significant given recent global concerns around missile proliferation, with countries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia advancing their own long-range strike capabilities. India's transparency in declaring its tests and adhering to No First Use (NFU) policies differentiates it as a responsible nuclear state, committed to deterrence rather than aggression.
Domestically, the tests also underline DRDO’s successful long-term investments in missile technology development, including advancements in navigation systems, propulsion, and re-entry vehicle design. DRDO officials noted that the data gathered from these trials will feed into further upgrades for the upcoming Agni-P and Agni-VI programs, both aimed at longer ranges and better mobility.
In conclusion, the successful test-firings of Prithvi-II and Agni-I from Odisha serve not just as technical accomplishments, but as pivotal exercises in ensuring India’s strategic preparedness. They reinforce the nation’s status as a responsible nuclear power with reliable deterrent capabilities, well-aligned with evolving geopolitical realities.
