India on Thursday successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The trials were carried out by the Strategic Forces Command and confirmed all technical and operational parameters, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The back-to-back missile launches highlight India’s robust strategic deterrence capabilities. The Prithvi-II, with a range of 350 km and a payload capacity of up to 500 kg, is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Agni-I missile, with a range of 700–900 km, can carry a 1,000 kg payload and is also designed for nuclear delivery.

“Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I have been long-standing pillars of India’s nuclear arsenal. The successful tests reaffirm the reliability of these systems,” the Defence Ministry said.

A day prior, on July 16, India also successfully test-fired the Akash Prime missile in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This advanced version of the Akash surface-to-air missile system has been specifically modified for operations above 4,500 metres and now features a newly developed indigenous radio frequency seeker for improved targeting accuracy.

The ministry noted that the Akash Prime missile successfully destroyed two high-speed aerial targets, demonstrating its capability in challenging terrain and reaffirming its role in India’s air defence strategy.

These tests come just two months after the military standoff between India and Pakistan (May 7–10), reinforcing India’s readiness and technological edge.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of the Indian Army, DRDO, and the Indian defence industry, calling the successful tests a “remarkable achievement” and a testimony to India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.

“These trials underscore the continuous enhancements being made to India’s indigenous weapons systems, based on operational feedback and evolving threat scenarios,” the ministry added.