India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, on 6 August 2026, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) in coordination with DRDO.

Key Highlights and Objective for Agni-4 Missile

The test aimed to validate the missile's operational readiness and technical reliability as part of India's regular training and validation exercises for its strategic forces.
The Defence Ministry confirmed that the launch met all operational and technical parameters, reaffirming the missile's dependable performance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the launch as a "textbook mission," commending both SFC and DRDO for reinforcing India's ability to defend itself using indigenous, advanced technology.

Technological Features of Agni-4

Agni-4 belongs to India's Agni missile family, which together covers a strike range from 700 km to 3,500 km and has already been operationally deployed.
As a medium-range ballistic missile, it is designed for precision strike capability and forms a key part of India's land-based deterrence system, built to be reliable, mobile, and combat-ready.

Strategic Significance of Agni-4 Ballistic Missile Test for India

The successful launch reinforces India's policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence, signalling that its strategic assets remain fully operational and combat-ready. Regular testing of missiles like Agni-4 helps sustain confidence in India's second-strike capability while demonstrating consistent technological reliability to both domestic stakeholders and the international community.

Related Missile Systems in India

India's broader missile development includes an Agni variant equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, successfully tested earlier, allowing multiple warheads to hit separate targets in a single launch, a capability held by only a few nations.

On the defensive side, India has also trialled an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a naval platform in the Bay of Bengal, part of its ballistic missile defence programme aimed at intercepting hostile missiles both within and beyond the atmosphere. Additionally, India has developed Pralay, a short-range surface-to-surface tactical missile capable of carrying conventional warheads with a payload capacity of 500–1,000 kg.