India has taken a significant step forward in its strategic defence capabilities with the successful test of the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Chandipur, Odisha, on September 25, 2025, the test marks a historic milestone in the country’s military advancements. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a moment of national pride, underscoring the importance of this technological leap.
The rail-based launcher introduces a new dimension to India’s strategic arsenal. Unlike traditional missile systems that rely on fixed launch sites or trucks, this specialised train-like system moves along railway tracks, allowing for greater operational flexibility and stealth. The missile, stored in a canister, can be launched while the train is in motion, significantly reducing reaction time and enhancing the element of surprise.
The Agni-Prime missile boasts a range of up to 2,000 kilometres, enabling precise targeting of enemy bases. Its rail mobility allows it to evade detection and deception tactics, making it a formidable addition to India’s defence capabilities. The train’s design, resembling an ordinary cargo train, further aids in maintaining secrecy, as it can blend in with regular railway traffic, evading intelligence surveillance.
India’s successful test places it among an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea, that possess rail-launched ballistic missile capabilities. This achievement not only enhances India’s self-reliance but also strengthens its position as a global defence powerhouse.
The advantages of the rail mobile launcher are manifold. Its mobility across the rail network makes it difficult to detect, ensuring safer and more flexible operations. The canister design allows for rapid deployment in various weather conditions, from rain and dust to extreme heat, making it highly versatile for border security against adversaries like China and Pakistan. Additionally, a single train can carry multiple missiles, enabling a stronger and faster strike capability.
However, the system is not without its challenges. The cost of building and maintaining such a complex system is substantial, a factor that has led even the United States to avoid widespread adoption. Maintenance on a moving train is intricate and requires regular inspections. Furthermore, the system’s dependence on railway lines limits its mobility in forested or mountainous regions. There is also the risk of enemy surveillance tracking the train, and the weight of large Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)-class missiles can reduce the train’s speed.
Despite these limitations, the strategic benefits of the rail-based launcher are significant. Globally, such systems are rare, with only a few countries having developed them. Russia’s RT-23 Molodets (SS-24 Scalpel) was operational but has since been retired. The United States experimented with the LGM-118 Peacekeeper on rails but no longer maintains an operational system. North Korea tested rail-launched missiles in 2021, though these were limited to short ranges. China primarily uses truck-based systems but is developing rail capabilities.
India’s inclusion in this exclusive club underscores its growing strategic influence. The successful test of the Agni-Prime rail launcher signifies a leap in India’s defence power, enhancing launch speed, strike range, and stealth. These capabilities strengthen deterrence and strategic flexibility, positioning India firmly among the world’s top defence nations. The missile is expected to join active service soon, further highlighting India’s rising stature in global security.
This development is likely to shape future defence strategies and technological advancements in the sector. As India continues to invest in cutting-edge military technology, it sets a precedent for other nations to follow, fostering a new era of innovation and strategic cooperation.