India successfully test-fires short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II, Agni-I from Odisha

These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, according to the defence ministry (Image for representation)

India successfully test-fired the Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles from the integrated test range in Chandipur, Odisha, on July 17, 2025, the defence ministry said in a statement.

“The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” the statement read.

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 kms 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 kms 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.

The development comes a day after India 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 weapon system is customised to operate in altitude above 4,500 metres and has latest upgrades including indigenously developed radio frequency seeker. Based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system," a statement from the defence ministry said.

The achievement carries added significance as it follows the "exceptional performance" of India's indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, it said.

The recent moves post the success of the operation mark a major step forward in the nation's missile development -- which is now gaining increasing attention in the global defence market.