ODISHA: India on Thursday successfully test-fired the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-III from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha, according to an official release issued by the Ministry of Defence.
The test was conducted on February 6, 2026 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters and was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, the ministry said.
Missile system tested and reported outcome
Agni-III is an intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
According to the official statement, the user trial confirmed the missile’s operational readiness by validating its performance and onboard systems. The launch was conducted as part of routine training and readiness activities of India’s strategic missile forces.
Range and capability profile
Agni-III has a projected strike range of about 3,000 km to 3,500 km. The missile is designed to carry a nuclear payload and provides India with an intermediate-range deterrence capability within its land-based strategic forces.
The system is configured for mobile deployment, allowing launch units to be dispersed and repositioned for higher survivability.
Technology and design behind Agni-III
Agni-III is a two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile. The first stage provides the initial boost after launch, while the second stage accelerates the missile to the required velocity and altitude for a ballistic trajectory. After powered flight ends, the missile follows a high-altitude ballistic path, and the re-entry vehicle separates and descends towards the target.
Solid propellant enables long-term storage in a ready-to-launch condition and allows quicker launch preparation compared to liquid-fuel missiles.
The missile uses an inertial navigation based guidance system supported by onboard flight computers and sensors. These systems continuously track the missile’s position and orientation during flight and automatically correct its trajectory. Once launched, the missile operates autonomously without external control.
The payload, housed inside a dedicated re-entry vehicle, is protected by thermal shielding and structural protection designed to withstand extreme temperatures and stresses during atmospheric re-entry at very high speeds.
Agni-III is designed to carry a payload of up to around 1,500 kg and is configured to deliver a nuclear warhead. The heavy payload capability is a key feature of the missile’s design.
Mobility, production and industrial ecosystem
The missile is designed for deployment from mobile launch platforms, including rail-mobile and mobile transporter-based launch systems. Mobility allows rapid relocation of launch units and reduces vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes, improving survivability and operational flexibility.
While DRDO leads the design and systems integration, production of Agni-series missiles is undertaken through a network of Indian defence manufacturers from the public and private sectors. The programme supports an indigenous industrial ecosystem covering propulsion systems, guidance electronics, structures, launch vehicles and associated ground infrastructure.
Strategic significance
The successful test reinforces the reliability of one of the key systems in India’s land-based nuclear deterrent architecture. Agni-III bridges the capability gap between shorter-range regional missiles and longer-range strategic systems, enabling credible coverage of targets at extended distances.
The trial also reflects the operational preparedness of the Strategic Forces Command, which manages and deploys India’s strategic missile assets.
Other variants in the Agni missile family
Agni-III is part of the wider Agni series of ballistic missiles developed to meet different range and mission requirements.
The family includes shorter-range systems such as Agni-I and Agni-II and longer-range missiles such as Agni-IV and Agni-V. Together, these platforms form the backbone of India’s land-based strategic missile force.
What lies ahead for India’s strategic missile programme
Beyond the Agni series, India continues to work on next-generation strategic systems, including longer-range ballistic missiles and sea-based missile platforms intended for deployment from nuclear-powered submarines.
Defence planners are also focusing on improvements in guidance accuracy, survivability and penetration capability to address evolving regional and technological challenges. Further user trials of both land-based and submarine-launched missile systems are expected as part of ongoing operational readiness and induction programmes in the coming months.
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