India marked a major achievement in its strategic defense capabilities on Thursday by successfully test-firing the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launch system for the first time. The launch, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was described as a “first-of-its-kind” success by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which reflects India’s ingenuity in missile mobility and deterrent capability.
Game-Changing Rail Mobility The test was carried out with static train coaches equipped with a bespoke rail-based launcher. In contrast to traditional road-based launchers, the railway system can travel freely throughout the nation’s rail network without advanced hindrances. This innovation provides cross-country mobility, quick reaction time, and lowered visibility greatly increasing India’s operational flexibility and deterrence posture.
Defense officials pointed out that the system enables India’s military to fire missiles at short notice from essentially any point on the rail grid, making it more difficult for enemies to locate or anticipate missile deployments. Features of Agni-Prime Missile The Agni-Prime is a state-of-the-art, next-generation intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that has a strike range of 2,000 kilometres.
India has carried out the successful launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system. This next generation missile is designed to cover a range up to 2000 km and is equipped with various advanced features.
The first-of-its-kind launch… pic.twitter.com/00GpGSNOeE
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 25, 2025
Rajnath Singh wrote “The first-of-its-kind launch carried out from specially designed Rail based Mobile Launcher, has the capability to move on Rail network without any pre-conditions that allows User to have a cross country mobility and launch within a short reaction time with reduced visibility”.
With state-of-the-art guidance and propulsion technology, it provides improved precision, reliability, and efficiency over its predecessors in the Agni family. The officials also confirmed that the rail-based canisterised launch technology demonstrated in this test may be extended to other Agni-class missiles as well in the future.
India Enters Exclusive Club of Nations Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the armed forces over the successful test. He stressed that the achievement puts India in an exclusive group of nations that have the capability of a canisterised missile launch system from an on-the-move rail network.
Congrats to DRDO, Strategic Forces Command and the Armed Forces on conduct of successful test of Agni-Prime Intermediate Range Missile. This rail-based launch first of its kind enhances India’s deterrence capability,” Singh wrote. Strengthening India’s Strategic Arsenal With the successful trial of the Agni-Prime missile from the rail-based mobile launcher, India has infused a strong new element in its strategic weapon armory. The development not only enhances the country’s mobility of missiles but also increases its quick response and survivability in any conflict situation.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
