Published: 5 February 2026Business Standard / Zee News / India TV News / Odisha PlusScience & Technology
India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from Chandipur
AQuick answer
India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-3 IRBM from Chandipur, Odisha on February 6, 2026. The DRDO-developed, 3,000–3,500 km-range, solid-fuel missile was launched by the Strategic Forces Command and met all mission objectives, reinforcing India's credible minimum deterrence.
On February 6, 2026, India successfully test-fired the Agni-3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The launch was conducted by the personnel of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) from a mobile launcher as part of a regular operational training exercise.
Agni-3 is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with a strike range of approximately 3,000–3,500 km and the ability to carry a payload of up to 1,500 kg. The missile is nuclear-capable with an estimated yield of 200–300 kilotons and follows a two-stage solid-fuel configuration, which provides faster launch readiness, safer storage, and simplified maintenance compared to liquid-fuel systems. Following the command for auto-launch, the missile took off on its designated flight path and accurately homed in on the pre-designated target area in the Bay of Bengal. The DRDO confirmed that all mission objectives were met and all operational and technical parameters were validated.
The test is strategically significant as Agni-3's range covers Pakistan's full territory and large portions of China, strengthening India's credible minimum deterrence posture under its No First Use nuclear doctrine. The Agni series — developed entirely indigenously under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) — is the backbone of India's land-based nuclear delivery system.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the strategic significance of the Agni-3 IRBM test for India's credible minimum deterrence posture.
Answer (50 words):
On February 6, 2026, India test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-3 from Chandipur, Odisha. The DRDO-developed missile has 3,000-3,500 kilometre range and carries 1,500 kilogram payloads using two-stage solid-fuel configuration. Launched by Strategic Forces Command from a mobile launcher, it validated all parameters, reinforcing credible minimum deterrence under India's No First Use doctrine.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
What is the approximate range of the Agni-3 missile?
Explanation · Correct answer CAgni-3 is an intermediate range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 3500-5000 km developed by DRDO.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Agni-3 missile and what type of missile is it?
Agni-3 is a nuclear-capable Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a two-stage, solid-fuel missile with a range of 3,000–3,500 km, capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
Where and when was the Agni-3 missile test-fired in 2026?
Agni-3 was successfully test-fired on February 6, 2026 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The launch was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and all mission objectives were met.
What is the Strategic Forces Command and what is its role?
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is a tri-services command under India's Nuclear Command Authority responsible for the management and administration of India's strategic nuclear arsenal. It operates under the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and is tasked with operationalising India's nuclear deterrent.
What is India's doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and how does Agni-3 support it?
India's Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD) doctrine holds that India will maintain a nuclear force sufficient to deter any nuclear attack, with a No First Use (NFU) policy. Agni-3, with its 3,000–3,500 km range and solid-fuel quick-launch capability, extends India's deterrent reach across the region, reinforcing the credibility of the CMD posture.
How does Agni-3 fit into India's nuclear triad?
India's nuclear triad comprises land-based ballistic missiles (like Agni series), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (Sagarika/K-series from nuclear submarines like INS Arihant), and air-delivered weapons (via Mirage-2000 and Jaguar aircraft). Agni-3 is the land-based leg, providing long-range strike capability and ensuring survivability and second-strike potential.
