India carried out a successful test-fire of the nuclear-capable Agni-3 intermediate-range ballistic missile from Odisha, reaffirming the operational readiness of a key pillar of the country’s strategic deterrence.
India on Friday (February 6) successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-3 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, validating all operational and technical parameters, officials said.
The Ministry of Defence said that the launch met all mission objectives and was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, which manages the country’s strategic nuclear assets.
Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile #Agni3 was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, #Odisha on 06 Feb 2026. The launch validated all operational & technical parameters and was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.@rajnathsingh…
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 6, 2026
Agni-3 has a strike range of around 3,000 to 3,500 kilometres, allowing India to hit strategic targets deep inside adversary territory. Defence officials said the successful trial reaffirmed the reliability and readiness of the missile system.
“Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Agni-3 was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha on 06 Feb 2026. The launch validated all operational and technical parameters and was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
Although newer and upgraded variants from the Agni series have been tested in recent years, Agni-3 continues to remain a key pillar of India’s deterrence capability.
The missile is a two-stage, solid-fuel system. After the first stage completes its burn, the second stage ignites to carry the missile along its planned trajectory, ensuring stability and accuracy.
The successful test further adds to India’s growing list of validated strategic missile systems and underscores its focus on maintaining a credible minimum deterrent.
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