India Conducts First-Ever Rail-Based Test of Agni-Prime Missile
India has successfully test-fired its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile from a train-based mobile launcher for the first time. This capability places India in a select group of nations able to launch strategic weapons from its rail network. The system enhances the missile's mobility and survivability, as it can be moved quickly across the country with reduced visibility compared to road-based launchers, allowing for faster reaction times. The Agni-Prime missile has a range of up to 2,000 km.
Unpacked:
Train-based launchers increase a missile’s mobility and survivability by allowing rapid, covert movement across the rail network, making it harder for adversaries to detect and target the missiles compared to fixed or road-based systems. This enhances strategic deterrence by preserving second-strike capability.
Agni-Prime is lighter and more compact than earlier Agni missiles, with a range of 1,000–2,000 km. It uses advanced materials, solid propulsion, and canisterized launch, while older variants like Agni-III and Agni-V have longer ranges (up to 8,000 km) and larger payloads.
Agni-Prime is designed primarily to counter regional threats, especially from Pakistan, as its range is sufficient to cover all of Pakistan but not all of China. It is intended to replace older short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, strengthening India’s deterrence posture.
Countries known to have developed or operated train-based ballistic missile launch systems include Russia, the United States (historically), and China. These systems are rare due to their complexity and the unique strategic mobility advantages they offer.