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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India's 'more options' ICBMs
Listen to article India's strategic consideration is to extend the range of its ICBMs beyond the territories of its rivals — China and Pakistan. It's a worrisome development for those who played a significant role in allowing India to extend the ranges of its ICBMs. In the future, Western capitals will fall within India's ICBM targeting range. ICBMs are one of the potent modes of carrying weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear-tipped ICBMs can cause havoc on rivals and are instrumental in ensuring mutual vulnerabilities. This adds lethality to these weapons that rivals keep a wary eye on the development of each other's ICBMs. India's friends kept a blind eye on its ICBMs. Is it because India has been granted the status of 'Net Security Provider' and 'Major Defence Partner' in the Indian Ocean Region by the United States? Likewise, a Cold War power also covertly assisted India in developing its ICBM programme through its space launch vehicles. However, there are no permanent enemies, nor are there permanent friends; only interests. Therefore, there is a need to debunk the perception that India's extending ICBM ranges are only to target Pakistan and China. India's ICBMs can also pose a potent threat to its allies in the future. Once such a capability is achieved, it will not be easy to reverse it. Recently, the world has witnessed the US bombing of bunker busters on Iran's nuclear facilities. The intense bombing damaged Iran's nuclear facilities but not beyond repair, as per the IAEA. This also lends credence to India's ICBM programme, which has extended ranges. It has taken advantage of Western capitals' blind spot on its deadly development. Once India develops ICBMs with extended ranges, Western capitals will be permanently on its target list. The workhorse of India's ICBM arsenal is Agni-V, recently deployed by its Strategic Forces Command, representing a significant step in target acquisition beyond its rivals' territories. Agni-V was first tested in 2012 with a declared range of 5,500km. Officially, it was a long-range ballistic missile (LRBM). Chinese experts initially assessed that the Agni-V range was under-declared, and its actual range is 8,000km. However, the Indian strategic community maintained a strategic silence on its range. ANI first broke the news in 2022, reporting that India could extend the range of Agni-V up to 7,000km by replacing the steel content with composite materials. Presently, Agni-V is now Multiple Independent Targetable Re-entry Vehicle, providing more options for utility to the Indian Strategic Force Command during conflicts. Now, after all these years, Indian media and analysts openly suggest that the Agni-V range is 8,000km. What about Agni-VI and Surya ICBMs? Will these two ICBMs provide India with more options? Of course, these two will be utilised for more options. News about Surya first came to the public in 1999. The development was kept secret but accidentally revealed by Indian Minister of State for Defence (and former head of DRDO) Bachi Singh Rawat. He told the media that India is developing an ICBM known as Surya that would have a range of up to 5,000km. Mr Rawat was later stripped of his position after disclosing the ICBM. He dropped a bombshell on the international community by revealing India's top-secret, under-development ICBM. Indian rocketry received significant assistance from the Space Launch Vehicle programme, which it obtained with foreign support. Notably, India received Cryogenic engines for its SLV programme from Ukraine and Russia in the 1990s. It is believed that the same cryogenic engines are now Surya's test-bed. In the early 2000s, Russian and Western intelligence assessments indicated that India was developing an ICBM with more than 5000km range, which can be extended to 10,000km. Nevertheless, Western powers conspicuously kept mum on this, knowing that they would eventually be on India's targeting list. Independent analysis also suggests that Agni-VI has a range of 10000-12000km. Agni-VI and Surya are under development, and to date, no test or trial of these systems by DRDO has been conducted. The Indian decision not to test Agni-VI and Surya may be due to unseen pressure from the US. Previously, the US has least criticised India on its anti-satellite test in 2019, despite overtly criticising China and Russia's ASAT missile tests in the past. India may test Agni-VI and Surya by ignoring US pressure, as it completely ignored the US pressure when it tested its ASAT missile. India does not deny the development of both. However, India never openly discussed it due to the possibility of pressure from London, Paris, Moscow and Washington, as they were already aware of such developments. Instead, Washington and its allies are busy alleging that other powers are developing ICBMs. What is this "more options" strategy? Is there any rocket science required to understand more options strategy? No, India's intermediate-range and long-range ballistic missiles are enough to achieve targets within the territories of Pakistan and China. Therefore, "a more option" strategy is linked with Agni-VI and Surya to acquire targets well beyond Pakistan and China. London, Paris, Moscow and Washington may reconsider their position and think about being included in the "more options" strategy. The Western powers have helped India develop its ICBM capability while also allowing the interchangeability of space and missile components and systems, which has contributed to India's space and ballistic missile programmes. Now, the onus lies on them to think about India's "more option" strategy.
India.com
18-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Agni, Prithvi, Akash: India Readies For Strike Before Enemies Blink, Flexes Deterrent Muscle In Larger Doctrine Shift
India recently sent a strong message to its adversaries. In just 24 hours, the country tested three major missile systems, sparking alarm across rival nations like Pakistan and China, especially after witnessing India's might during Operation Sindoor. The tests weren't just routine drills — they were strategic, timed, and loaded with purpose. So, why is India suddenly conducting these high-profile missile trials? What message lies behind this missile blitz? And why might even global powers like the U.S. and Russia have reason to take notice? In today's DNA, DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, of Zee News, analysed how India is flexing its deterrent muscle on the regional chessboard. Three Missiles, One Message: India Is Ready The names themselves — Agni (fire), Prithvi (earth), Akash (sky) — reflect the ancient Indian philosophy of using elemental force in warfare. These missiles are not only the backbone of India's defense but are now more battle-ready than ever. Just yesterday, India tested the Akash air defense system. Soon after, under the Strategic Forces Command, it launched Agni-1 and Prithvi-2 missiles — both capable of delivering nuclear warheads. This wasn't merely a technical check. These were combat-readiness drills, simulating real wartime missile launches, including secure communication of nuclear strike orders. #DNAWithRahulSinha | पृथ्वी, अग्नि, आकाश..दुश्मन का सर्वनाश! 24 घंटे से भारत..लगातार मिसाइल परीक्षण क्यों कर रहा?#DNA #IndianArmy #Defence #Missile #Agni1 @RahulSinhaTV — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 18, 2025 Missile Details: What Was Tested and Why It Matters Prithvi-2 Tactical Nuclear Missile * Range: 350 km * Payload: 500–1000 kg (conventional or 15-kiloton nuclear warhead) * Tactical Use: Can strike enemy army bases near borders like Lahore, Bahawalpur, or Tibetan airbases * Flight Path: Low trajectory — evades enemy radar Agni-1 Intermediate-Range Strategic Missile * Range: 700–900 km * Payload: Up to 1000 kg conventional or 100 kiloton nuclear warhead * Speed: Reenters Earth's atmosphere at Mach 7 (7x speed of sound), making interception nearly impossible * Targets: Deep inside enemy territory — Islamabad (350 km) or Karachi (800 km) * Mobility: Road-mobile launchers — highly mobile, hard to detect, fast to deploy These back-to-back launches highlight India's second-strike capability — even if attacked first, India can retaliate without delay. Hidden Message Behind the Tests * India's nuclear deterrent is fully operational and tested for real-world conditions. * Missiles are dual-capable: conventional and nuclear payloads * Rapid successive launches show India's capacity to respond with force before enemy countermeasures India's Ultimate Weapon: Hypersonic Missile That Even the U.S. & Russia Can't Stop While Agni and Prithvi make headlines, there's another game-changing missile under development — part of DRDO's 'Project Vishnu': Extended-Trajectory Long-Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile * Speed: Mach 8–10 (11,000–12,000 km/h) * Range: 1500–2000 km * Payload: Up to 2000 kg (including nuclear warheads) * Engine: Scramjet — pulls oxygen from air, keeps missile light and fast * Can Be Launched From: Land, air, or sea * Stealth: Flies low, changes direction mid-flight, impossible to intercept * Tested Successfully: DRDO has completed a 1000-second trial * Undefendable: Neither U.S. THAAD nor Russia's S-500 can stop it * This makes it potentially more advanced than BrahMos, and three times faster. Once launched, enemy airbases, naval fleets, or command centers would have no escape. Why the World Is Watching India's message is clear: Its nuclear arsenal is secure, tested, and mobile. With Pakistan and China within striking distance — and even global powers taking notice — this 24-hour missile spree is more than routine. It's a demonstration of deterrence, dominance, and preparedness. And with hypersonic tech in the pipeline, India is not just keeping up — it's racing ahead.
India.com
18-07-2025
- India.com
What are the features of Prithvi 2 missile tested by India? Its range, speed, accuracy..., know all details
(Representational image) New Delhi: India has successfully tested 2 short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-2 and Agni-1 from the Integrated Test Range located off the coast of Odisha. Prithvi-II is India's indigenous surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile. It has been developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is part of the Prithvi missile series and it is operated by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army. The range of Prithvi-2 missile is 250-350 kilometers. With a payload of 500-1000 kg, this missile is capable of carrying nuclear and other weapons. Its accuracy of 10-15-meter Circular Error Probable (CEP) and night launch capability make it important in the defense sector. Its first test was conducted in 1996. What is Prithvi-II missile? Prithvi-II is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) built by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It has a range of 250-350 kilometers, depending on the weight of the payload. It can carry both nuclear and conventional payload of 500 to 1000 kg of explosives. What is Prithvi-II missile designed for? The Prithvi-II missile is designed for tactical and strategic attacks. It includes precision strikes on enemy targets and nuclear deterrence. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), its first test was conducted on 27 January 1996. Prithvi-II is a single-stage, liquid-fuel ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons. Its circular error probable (CEP) is around 10-15 meters, making it very accurate. What are the other features of Prithvi-II missile? The latest test of Prithvi-II missile was conducted on 17 July 2025 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) located near the Odisha coast. Its weight is around 4,600 kg. It is operated by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army. Prithvi-II flies at a speed of about Mach 7 (8643 km/h). It uses inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS-based guidance system. Prithvi-II missile is an important part of India's prevention policy, which provides the ability to take immediate and accurate retaliation against neighbouring countries.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India successfully test fires Agni I, Prithvi II
Bhubaneswar: India successfully conducted night trials of two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, Agni-I and Prithvi-II, off the Odisha coast on Thursday, defence officials confirmed. The Strategic Forces Command carried out the scheduled operational tests, launching Agni-I from APJ Abdul Kalam Island and Prithvi-II from the Chandipur testing facility. "All operational and technical parameters have been validated," a defence spokesperson announced on social media platform X. The Agni-I, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, is crucial for India's strategic deterrence capabilities. The successful test demonstrates the missile's reliable performance under operational conditions. Prithvi-II reinforces India's short-range ballistic missile arsenal. The missile's strategic positioning allows it to reach key targets within neighbouring regions.
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India Successfully Tests Prithvi-II, Agni-I Ballistic Missile Off Odisha
New Delhi: 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. 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 the 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 it is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs. It can carry both conventional as well as nuclear warheads. The Agni-I missile has a range of 700-900 km, and it can carry a payload of 1,000 kgs. 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. On the test-firing of the Akash missile, the ministry said it carries added significance as it follows the "exceptional performance" of India's indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor. Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash weapon system built for the Indian Army. The test-firing of the missile in Ladakh assumed significance as it is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). "India on July 16 achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying two aerial high speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of Akash weapon system for the Indian Army," the ministry said in a separate statement. It said the weapon system is customised to operate in altitude above 4,500 metres and has latest upgrades, including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker. "Based on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system," the defence ministry said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the industry on this "remarkable achievement", it said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
