India's Defence Ministry has confirmed the successful test-firing of the Prithvi-II and Agni-I short-range ballistic missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. The launches, conducted on July 17, 2025, were carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The objective of these tests was to validate key operational and technical parameters, and the ministry stated that all systems performed as expected.

The Prithvi-II missile is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was first inducted into service in 2003 and has a firing range of approximately 350 km. The missile can be armed with either conventional or nuclear warheads weighing between 500 to 1,000 kg. Developed in the 1990s and early 2000s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), the Prithvi-II is a single-stage, liquid-fueled missile. These missiles are often randomly selected from existing stockpiles for testing. The trajectory of the Prithvi-II during testing is tracked by various systems, including radars, electro-optical tracking systems, and telemetry stations along the Odisha coast.

The Agni-I is a short-range ballistic missile developed by DRDO as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. This single-stage missile was developed after the Kargil War to bridge the gap between the Prithvi-II's 250 km range and the Agni-II's 2,500 km range. The Agni-I has a range of 700 to 1,200 km and can carry a conventional or nuclear payload of 1,000 kg to 2,500 kg. It is a road and rail-mobile missile powered by solid propellants. The Agni-I was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur on May 22, 1989.

These tests are part of an annual training exercise to assess the combat readiness of the Indian Army's missile forces. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) typically conducts these tests with logistical support from the DRDO. The Agni-I and Prithvi-II missiles are integral to India's nuclear deterrent, supporting its "No First Use" (NFU) policy by maintaining a credible minimum deterrence.

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program, initiated in 1999, involves around 40 public and private companies and aims to create a multi-layered defense system against ballistic missile attacks. These successful tests of the Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles demonstrate India's commitment to maintaining and strengthening its defense capabilities.