In September 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the military arm of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), successfully conducted the test launch of the next-generation Intermediate Range Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missile from Rail-Based Mobile Launcher (RBML) at the Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast, under full operational conditions.
- This marks the 1st–of-its-kind launch carried out using a specially designed platform integrated with the national railway network.
Exam Hints:
- What? Successful test launch of ‘Agni-Prime Missile’ from RBML
- Conducted by: DRDO & Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- Where? Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast
- Significance: 1st-ever trial from RBML
- Range: Up to 2,000 km
- Type: 2-stage, surface-to-surface, canisterised solid-propellant ballistic missile
About RBML:
Launch Outcome: The missile’s trajectory was accurately tracked, confirming a textbook launch that met all objectives and paved the way for induction of rail-based missile systems into service.
Significance: RBML is designed to operate across India’s rail network without pre-conditions. It offers quick reaction time, improved mobility, and reduced visibility, significantly enhancing India’s second-strike capability.
Key Features: RBML is equipped with independent launch capabilities features like: state-of-the-art communication systems, and robust protection mechanisms.
About Agni-P:
Ballistic Missile: It is an indigenously developed two-stage surface-to-surface, canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile.
Strike Range: Agni-P has a strike range of maximum 2,000 kilometers (kms).
Variant : It is the 6th variant of Agni series missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
Specifications: It is 10.5 metre (m) tall with diameter of 1.2 m and has the capability to carry warheads of maximum 1.5 tonnes.
Key Features: The Agni-P missile is equipped with various advanced features like: a ring laser gyro-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Micro Inertial Navigation System (MINS) offers more accuracy in locating the target missiles.
- While, the canisterised design of the missile provides high mobility and reduces preparation and launch time.
Previous Launch: In March 2024, DRDO conducted the flight test of Agni-5 missile, Intermediate Ballistic Missile (IBM), equipped with Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology under mission Divyastra.
About Strategic Forces Command (SFC):
Commander-in-Chief(C-in-C)- Vice Admiral Suraj Berry
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 2003
