DRDO Rail-Based Launch of Agni-Prime Missile

DRDO & Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missile.

For the first time, it was fired from a rail-based mobile launcher.

Range: Up to 2,000 km (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile – IRBM).

Special features:

• Next-generation design with advanced navigation and guidance systems.

• Quick deployment from railway platforms → increases flexibility and reduces visibility to enemies.

• Cross-country mobility → can be moved quickly across India’s vast railway network.

Purpose: Enhances nuclear deterrence by ensuring survivability of India’s missile arsenal even if road-based launchers are detected.

Tracking: Monitored by multiple ground stations; test met all mission objectives.

Strategic edge: Rail-based launchers make India’s nuclear forces harder to track and target, improving second-strike capability.

Part of modernization: Agni-P is lighter, more accurate, and more advanced than earlier Agni-I & II.

Nuclear doctrine fit: Strengthens credible minimum deterrence and no first use posture by ensuring survivable delivery systems.

What it is:

• Also called Strategic Nuclear Command.

• Formed on 4 January 2003 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government.

• Part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).

• First Commander-in-Chief: Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana.

Role & Functions:

• Operational arm of the NCA – carries out nuclear directives.

• Ensures management, security, and readiness of India’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.

• Led by a three-star rank officer (Commander-in-Chief).

• Responsible for:

  • Storing and maintaining nuclear warheads.

  • Planning and preparing contingency strategies.

  • Executing a nuclear strike only after explicit NCA approval.

Decision-making:

• NCA approves → SFC executes.

• Target selection is done through a step-by-step calibrated process, with final approval by the NCA.

Significance: