India has successfully test-fired several upgraded missile systems, marking a major step forward in strengthening its defence capabilities, especially in high-altitude regions.
On 16 July 2025, the Indian Army tested a special high-altitude version of the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh. This upgraded air defence missile hit and destroyed two high-speed unmanned aerial targets flying at high altitudes. It was part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) trial and shows India’s growing ability to defend its skies even in extremely tough terrain, over 4,500 metres (14,000 ft) above sea level.
The Akash Prime Weapon System has been developed with multiple upgrades, based on feedback from the Army. It now includes an indigenous radio frequency seeker, which helps it lock onto targets more effectively. The system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Army’s Air Defence units, and public sector companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
Just a day later, on 17 July 2025, India tested two other powerful missiles — Prithvi-II and Agni-I ,from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. Both are short-range ballistic missiles, and both passed all operational and technical checks during the launches. These tests were conducted under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
The SFC is responsible for handling and deploying India’s nuclear weapons across all three services — Army, Navy, and Air Force. These successful tests are crucial steps toward maintaining India's strategic deterrence and rapid response capabilities.
What makes the Akash Prime test stand out is its performance in extremely high-altitude areas like Ladakh, where air defence becomes more difficult due to thin air, extreme cold, and terrain challenges. This test showed that India now has a reliable missile system for such areas, with improved performance and targeting ability.
The Ministry of Defence said that this success reflects the strength of India’s growing indigenous defence ecosystem. The upgrades were made based on real-time feedback from users in the armed forces, which helped make the weapon system more effective.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army, DRDO, and the entire defence industry for their efforts. He called it a big boost to India’s air defence strength, especially in high-altitude operations. DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat also congratulated the teams and said the missile meets a critical need for high-altitude defence.
Earlier in April 2024, India had also tested Agni Prime, a new-generation ballistic missile in the Agni series. It was launched from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This missile is nuclear-capable, uses solid fuel, and can be launched from a canister, making it easy to store, move, and fire quickly.
The Agni Prime has a range of 1,000 to 2,000 km, and it features dual navigation systems for more accurate targeting. It is part of India’s broader Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which started back in 1982 and includes the full Agni missile family:
Agni-1: Range of 700 km
Agni-2: Range of 2,000 km
Agni-3: Range of 2,500 km
Agni-4: Range of 3,500 km
Agni-5: Can strike targets up to 5,000 km away
These developments show steady progress in India’s missile program, which is now drawing international attention for its advanced technologies.
These back-to-back successful tests highlight India’s focus on building a strong and self-reliant defence system. Whether it's shooting down enemy aircraft in high mountain regions with Akash Prime or preparing fast, accurate responses using Prithvi and Agni missiles, the country is clearly gearing up to face modern warfare challenges.
In particular, the high-altitude test in Ladakh is a game changer. With tensions often running high in border regions, India now has a proven air defence system that can work effectively even in some of the most difficult terrains on Earth.
India’s recent missile tests — from Akash Prime in Ladakh to Agni and Prithvi in Odisha send a clear message: the country’s defence systems are becoming more advanced, more reliable, and more suited to the challenges of modern warfare. Backed by local industry and driven by real military needs, these achievements underline India’s growing role in the global defence space.
