India on Wednesday successfully conducted the test-firing of its Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, the Ministry of Defence announced.
The trial, carried out under the Strategic Forces Command, confirmed the missile’s operational readiness as all technical and performance parameters were validated. Agni-5, known for its long-range strike capability, forms an important part of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
This latest test follows a series of successful missile trials conducted by India in recent weeks. On July 18, the Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles were test-fired from the same range in Odisha, with both systems meeting mission objectives under the oversight of the Strategic Forces Command.
Just days earlier, on July 16, India showcased its air defence prowess in Ladakh by destroying two high-speed aerial targets at high altitude using the Akash Prime Weapon System. The advanced version of the Akash missile, designed for operations above 4,500 meters, features an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker and several upgrades based on feedback from field deployments.
The Akash Prime trials were conducted as part of the first production model firing exercises, jointly undertaken by the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), public sector units like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners. The success is expected to accelerate induction of the system into frontline air defence units, enhancing India’s capabilities in high-altitude regions.
Defence analysts note that the recent string of tests demonstrates India’s steady progress in strengthening both its strategic strike force and air defence network, reflecting the growing maturity of its indigenous defence ecosystem.