India on Thursday, July 17, successfully test-fired two of its major strategic defence missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the launch was carried out as part of routine training and validation exercises under the Strategic Forces Command.
Both missiles achieved their intended targets and met all the operational and technical parameters during the trial. The Ministry of Defence said the successful test-firings confirmed the reliability and precision of India’s nuclear-capable delivery systems. These missiles are part of India’s indigenous strategic arsenal and play an important role in the country’s defence preparedness.
Less than a day before the ballistic missile tests, India also conducted a successful trial of the Akash Prime air defence system in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. This system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was tested by the Indian Army at an altitude of around 15,000 feet.
Akash Prime the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System successfully engaged and destroyed two Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets during trials at high altitude in Ladakh Sector. The weapon system is customised to operate in altitude above 4500 meters and has latest upgrades… pic.twitter.com/OL1qYLZF1S
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) July 17, 2025
During the Akash Prime trial, the system demonstrated high accuracy by directly hitting two fast-moving aerial targets. The test took place in extremely challenging conditions, showcasing the system’s performance in rarefied and difficult terrain.
Defence officials said the Akash Prime system is planned to be deployed in the third and fourth Akash Regiments of the Indian Army to further strengthen the country’s air defence shield.
India’s Akash system had earlier played a key role during Operation Sindoor by successfully intercepting aerial threats, including fighter jets and drones. With these recent test-firings, India continues to build on its efforts to boost its indigenous defence capabilities and ensure readiness across multiple domains.
