India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni, Prithvi missiles

India on Thursday successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its strategic deterrence capability.

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The test-firing of the missiles, conducted by the elite Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters, according to the defence ministry.

On Wednesday, India successfully test-fired indigenously developed Akash Prime missile in Ladakh that has been customised to operate at an altitude above 4,500 metres.

The test-firing of the missiles came over two months after the May 7-10 military conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 km and is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kg. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads.

The Agni-I missile has a range of 700-900 km and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.

Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles have been an integral part of India's nuclear deterrence.

"Short-range ballistic missiles -- Prithvi-II and Agni-I -- were successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on July 17," the ministry said in a brief statement.

It said the launches validated all operational and technical parameters. "These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," the ministry said.