India has registered a significant defence achievement by successfully firing the Intermediate-Range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-mobile launcher.
The test was carried out on 24 September 2025 in full operational mode by DRDO in close coordination with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).The flight of the missile was monitored by several ground stations, and the firing was termed as a “textbook success,” with all mission parameters achieved.
What is unique about this test is that it employed a specially developed, rail-mounted launcher which can travel on rail tracks without any special preparations. The system provides cross-country mobility, quick reaction times, and the capability to remain hidden until launch.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, has stated that the test puts India in an exclusive group of countries capable of developing canisterised launch capability from rail platforms.The Agni-Prime missile itself is capable of ranges of up to 2,000 kilometres, classifying it as an intermediate-range missile.
India’s previous road-mobile versions of the missile are already part of its military.Strategists indicate that the ability to launch from the rail system increases survivability and flexibility considerably.In contrast to fixed launch pads, rail systems are more difficult for enemies to find and disable.
The mobility also enables the missile system to be stealthily redeployed over great distances.The system, however, has limitations inherent in it, the launch can only be done where there are tracks, and launch accuracy from mobile platforms is technically demanding.
India’s railway network provides it with strategic leverage. With more than 70,000 km of railroads, the rail-based launcher can access far-flung launch sites that road networks cannot.
Senior defence officials and scientists who worked on the project witnessed the test, seeing this maiden rail-based missile launch. The success is likely to open the door to the inclusion of rail launchers in India’s strategic missile deployment apparatus.
