25 Sept 2025
The missile features a range of up to 2,000 km, advanced communication systems, and independent launch capability.
India successfully test-fired the Agni Prime Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile on Wednesday from a train. This puts India among the select group of nations, including Russia, China, and the US, that own such advanced mobile, canisterized missile launchers.
The missile can be launched from anywhere on the rail network, offering a short reaction time despite reduced visibility and cross-country mobility. It is a two-stage, solid propellant missile – the sixth in the Agni series.
It was being transported via truck and launched via canister until now. It also has nuclear capabilities.
Keeping missiles on fixed launchers makes them more vulnerable to strikes. Moving launchers gives them the added advantage.
In the 1950s, the US began studying the feasibility of a rail-based launch mode for its Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) but abandoned it in 1961. In the 1980s, the US planned to deploy Peacekeeper ICBMs on railway mobile launchers.
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