India successfully tests nuclear-capable intermediate-range missile Agni-3 from Odisha

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• India successfully tested the Agni-3 missile, validating all parameters.
• Agni-3 can strike targets 3,000–3,500 km away and carries up to 1,500 kg payload
• Test reaffirms India's nuclear deterrence and Strategic Forces Command readiness

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India on February 6 carried out a successful test of the intermediate-range ballistic missile Agni-3 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha, in a launch that defence officials described as having “validated all operational and technical parameters.”

The exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), the body responsible for managing the country’s strategic nuclear assets.

According to officials, the test once again demonstrated the reliability and readiness of the nuclear-capable missile system.

“The launch was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command and successfully validated all operational and technical parameters,” a statement said, adding that the exercise reaffirmed the credibility of India’s deterrence posture.

Agni-3 is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a strike capability of around 3,000 to 3,500 kilometres, giving India the ability to engage strategic targets deep inside adversary territory.

Though several other missiles in the Agni family, including upgraded variants, have been tested in recent years, Agni-3 continues to be viewed as a critical and proven component of the country’s nuclear deterrent.

The missile has been in service with the SFC since 2011 and was developed indigenously. It is a two-stage, solid-fuelled system capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms.

Designed primarily as a nuclear delivery platform, the missile is believed to be able to carry a warhead with an estimated yield of 200–300 kilotons.

Technically, Agni-3 measures about 16.7 metres in length and 2 metres in diameter, with a launch weight of roughly 48,300 kilograms. After burnout of the first stage, the second stage ignites to push the missile further along its planned trajectory, a sequence that ensures stability and accuracy during flight.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the missile employs a strapdown inertial navigation system supported by GPS, giving it an accuracy of around 40 metres circular error probable (CEP).

Its first stage uses a maraging steel motor case, while the second stage features a carbon-fibre motor case, both equipped with thrust vector control systems to enhance precision.

Defence officials said the latest test adds to India’s growing list of validated strategic missile systems and underscores the country’s sustained focus on maintaining a “credible minimum deterrent” in a complex regional security environment.