SFC Successfully Tests Nuclear-Capable Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles

The Strategic Force Command (SFC) tested the nuclear-capable short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Prithvi-II and the Agni-I missile at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in Odisha on 17 July 2025. This was the third missile to be tested by India within a two-day period. On 16 July, India successfully tested Akash Prime in Ladakh.

The test of these missiles will enhance India's defence capability and strengthen the country's deterrence capabilities.

About Prithvi-II Missile 

Prithvi-II is an upgraded version of the Prithvi-I missile. The Prithvi-I missile was the first missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1983.

Range - 250 km -350 Km

Payload - 500 -1000 kg and capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Propulsion - Single-stage, Liquid propulsion.

Launcher -Road-mobile transporter-erector-launcher

Induction - It was inducted into the Strategic Force Command in 2003.

Variants of the Prithvi missile 

• The Prithvi-1 missile has been phased out from the Indian Army and replaced by the Pralay missile.
• Dhanush is a variant of the Prithvi family of missiles. It is a ship-launched ballistic missile and has been inducted into the Indian Navy.

About Agni-I and Agni Family Missile

It is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 

Range - 700-1200 Km

Payload- 1000 kg and capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Propulsion - Single-stage, Solid propulsion.

Launcher -Road/rail-mobile

Induction - Strategic Force Command in 2007.

Agni -II

It is a Medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.

Range - 2,000 – 3,500 km

Payload- 1000 kg and capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Propulsion - Two-stage, Solid propulsion.

Launcher -Road/rail-mobile

Induction - Strategic Force Command in 2004.

Agni -III

It is a surface-to-surface Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)

Range - 3,000 – 3,500 km

Payload- 1,500 kg and capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Propulsion - Two-stage, Solid propulsion.

Launcher -Road/rail-mobile

Induction - Strategic Force Command in 2011.

Agni -IV

It is a surface-to-surface Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)

Range - 3,000 – 4,000 km

Payload- 1,000 kg. 

Propulsion - Two-stage, Solid propulsion.

Launcher -Road/rail-mobile

Induction - It is in the development stage.

Agni -V

It is a surface-to-surface Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

Range - 5,000 – 8,000 km

Payload- 1,650 kg. 

Propulsion - Three-stage,  Solid propulsion.

Launcher -Road/rail-mobile

Induction - It is in the development stage.

About Strategic Force Command 

Established- 2003

The Strategic Force Command, also known as the Strategic Nuclear Command, is part of the country’s Nuclear Command Authority.

The Nuclear Command Authority is responsible for the command, control, and operational decisions of India’s nuclear assets.  

Strategic Force Command is a tri-service command.

The Strategic Force Command is headed by a three-star military officer.

It reports to the Chief of Defence Staff.

First Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Force Command -  Air Marshal TM Asthana 

Also Read: DRDO Successfully test Akash Prime in High Altitude Range in Ladakh