India's Nuclear-Capable Missile Tested

India's nuclear-capable missile development has once again come into the spotlight with the successful test-firings of Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles, along with the high-altitude trial of the Akash Prime in Ladakh. These achievements significantly contribute to India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, indigenous technological strength, and military preparedness.

This detailed blog explains the significance of these developments for SSC aspirants, focusing on important technical facts and the strategic importance of India's nuclear-capable missile systems.

Prithvi-II Missile Test: Operational Readiness Confirmed

The Prithvi-II missile, part of the Indian missile inventory, is a short-range ballistic missile developed by DRDO. It has a range of approximately 350 km and can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads weighing up to 500 kg.

The recent missile test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range off the Odisha coast under the Strategic Forces Command, confirming the Prithvi-II missile’s operational readiness.

Key Highlights:

• Range: 350 km

• Payload: 500 kg

• Type: Short-range ballistic missile India

• Status: Meets all operational and technical standards

This test plays a vital role in strengthening India's nuclear-capable missile inventory and is critical from an SSC current affairs perspective.

Agni-I Missile Test: Extending India’s Strategic Reach

The Agni-I missile is a medium-range ballistic missile with a striking capability between 700 and 900 km. It can carry a warhead of up to 1,000 kg, making it one of the most significant weapons in India's nuclear-capable missile series.

The successful launch validated its performance under operational conditions and reaffirmed its role in India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Key Specifications:

• Range: 700–900 km

• Payload: 1,000 kg

• Category: Part of the Agni series missile family

• Strategic Use: Enhances India's nuclear strike capacity

This test strengthens the reliability of India’s nuclear arsenal and boosts national security against long-range threats.

Akash Prime Missile Tested in Ladakh: Indigenous Air Defence Breakthrough

The Akash Prime missile was successfully tested at high altitude in Ladakh, above 4,500 metres, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This upgraded variant of the Akash missile was developed by DRDO and features an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker.

It destroyed two high-speed unmanned aerial targets, demonstrating its precision and effectiveness in mountainous terrain.

Strategic Importance:

• Developed by DRDO missiles

• Boosts India's nuclear-capable missile support systems

• Tailored for India, China, and LAC missile preparedness

• A step forward in air defence systems developed by DRDO

This test showcases DRDO’s indigenous missile development progress and aligns with India's strategic defence vision.

Strategic and Defence Significance

All tests — Prithvi-II, Agni-I, and Akash Prime — were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, the entity responsible for managing India’s nuclear weapons. These tests demonstrate India's commitment to developing a credible nuclear deterrent and enhancing national security.

They reinforce the role of India's nuclear-capable missile program in:

• Ensuring readiness for regional challenges

• Reducing dependence on foreign technology

• Supporting the doctrine of minimum credible deterrence

Such tests also highlight how India strengthens its nuclear triad through reliable delivery systems across land, sea, and air.

Indigenous Missile System: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action

India is steadily reducing its reliance on foreign arms by investing in indigenous missile systems. These include:

• Prithvi missile (short-range)

• Agni missile (medium- and long-range)

• Akash missile (surface-to-air defence)

The emphasis on indigenous defence development reflects in systems like the Akash Prime, which was improved based on user feedback. These advancements form the backbone of India strategic defence in the 21st century.

The increasing success of India's nuclear-capable missile program is a testament to the strength of India’s defence news and domestic innovation capabilities.

Summary Table for SSC Aspirants

Final Thoughts

The successful testing of India's nuclear-capable missile systems like Prithvi-II, Agni-I, and Akash Prime reflects the country’s growing commitment to strategic deterrence and self-reliance in defence technology. These advancements not only bolster national security but also reinforce India's role as a responsible nuclear power.

For SSC aspirants, understanding the significance of these tests is crucial for exams that focus on current affairs, science and technology, and strategic defence topics.

India’s progress in developing indigenous missile systems through DRDO showcases its capability to meet modern threats with homegrown innovation. With increasing regional tensions, the role of a robust and tested India nuclear-capable missile arsenal becomes even more important.