Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 17: In a powerful display of military readiness and technological strength, India successfully test-fired three of its key strategic weapons systems — Prithvi-II, Agni-I, and the Akash Prime air defence system — over the past 24 hours, officials from the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Thursday.
The Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles were launched from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command. The Ministry of Defence said both tests were part of routine training and validation exercises aimed at ensuring the combat readiness of India's nuclear-capable missile arsenal.
“Both missiles successfully met all mission objectives and demonstrated operational reliability,” the Ministry stated, adding that the trials reaffirmed the accuracy and dependability of India’s indigenous delivery systems.
These two systems — Prithvi and Agni — form a vital part of India’s strategic deterrent and have been developed as part of the country’s self-reliant defence programme.
Just a day prior, India also tested the ‘Akash Prime’ air defence system in high-altitude conditions in the Ladakh sector, marking another significant milestone. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the surface-to-air missile system was put through its paces in the presence of senior Army Air Defence and DRDO officials.
Fired at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet, the Akash Prime system successfully intercepted and destroyed two high-speed aerial targets in a challenging low-oxygen environment, demonstrating high precision and robustness.
According to defence sources, the Akash Prime will soon be inducted into the Indian Army’s third and fourth Akash Regiments, significantly strengthening India’s multi-layered air defence shield.
The Akash system has already proven its strategic worth during Operation Sindoor, when it helped neutralise aerial threats involving Chinese fighter aircraft and Turkish drones reportedly operated by Pakistani forces.
Defence experts view these back-to-back successful tests as a strong reaffirmation of India's commitment to building indigenous defence capabilities and bolstering national security.