India conducts dual ballistic missile tests

India on July 17 conducted back-to-back test launches of its short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, the Prithvi-2 and Agni-1, in what appears to be a strategic signal to Pakistan following the recent border hostilities under Operation Sindoor from May 7 to 10.

The two missiles—Prithvi-2 with a 350-km range and Agni-1 with a 700-km range—were launched from the integrated test range at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. Both tests were carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the tri-services unit responsible for India's nuclear arsenal, Caliber.Az reports via Indian media.

“The launches validated all operational and technical parameters,” the defence ministry said in a brief statement on the night of July 17.

While a defence official described the tests as “periodic routine trials” of already inducted systems, it is believed to be the first time both nuclear-capable missiles have been tested on the same day. Both the Prithvi-2 and Agni-1 are primarily intended for use against Pakistan, in contrast to India’s longer-range Agni-2 (2,000-km), Agni-3 (3,000-km), and Agni-5 (over 5,000-km) missiles, which are seen as deterrents aimed at China.

India is also advancing trials of the Agni-Prime ballistic missile, a new-generation system with a strike range between 1,000 and 2,000 km. These “pre-induction night trials” are part of efforts to phase out the older Agni-1 and Agni-2 models. The Agni-Prime, which is solid-fuelled, is the smallest and lightest missile in the Agni series and features upgraded propulsion, advanced navigation, and composite rocket motor casing technologies.

Notably, like the Agni-5, the Agni-Prime is a canister-launched missile, allowing for quicker deployment and increased mobility. “Canister-launch missiles – with the warheads already mated with the missiles – give the SFC the requisite operational flexibility to store them for long periods, swiftly transport them through rail or road when required, and fire them from wherever they want,” an official noted.

The Agni-5, India’s near-intercontinental ballistic missile, was also tested last year on March 11 with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) for the first time. Once fully inducted, the Agni-5 will be capable of striking multiple targets with three to four warheads over hundreds of kilometres.

Despite these advancements, China remains far ahead in nuclear capabilities. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China adds around 100 nuclear warheads to its arsenal annually and currently possesses approximately 600 warheads. China also deploys ICBMs such as the DongFeng-5 and DF-41, which have ranges exceeding 12,000 km. By comparison, India is estimated to have 180 warheads, while Pakistan has 170.

By Sabina Mammadli