India's Defence Preparedness in High Gear: Trials of Akash Prime, Prithvi-II, and Agni-I Signal Deterrence and Self-Reliance

 

India's Defence Preparedness in High Gear: Trials of Akash Prime, Prithvi-II, and Agni-I Signal Deterrence and Self-Reliance

By Suryavanshi IAS | For UPSC Mains | GS Paper 3: Security, Technology, Defence

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🔍 Context and Significance

In a strategic move to bolster India’s air defence and missile capabilities, the Indian Army recently tested the Akash Prime missile system at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in Ladakh, while the Strategic Forces Command successfully conducted test launches of the Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles from Chandipur, Odisha.

These developments are not just routine technological validations but are significant in the backdrop of:

• High-altitude border tensions

• China's growing military presence

• The evolving Indo-Pacific security architecture

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🚀 Akash Prime: An Altitude Breakthrough

• What is it?
  Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system, capable of targeting fast-moving aerial threats.

• Test Highlights:

  • Conducted at 15,000+ ft in Ladakh, simulating real operational challenges.

  • Achieved two direct hits, confirming accuracy in rarefied atmospheres.

  • Jointly tested by Army Air Defence Corps and DRDO.

• Why It Matters:

  • Enhances area denial capabilities in high-altitude battlefields.

  • Signals India’s resolve to defend its frontiers independently.

  • Reinforces the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in defence.

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⚔️ Prithvi-II and Agni-I: Reaffirming Strategic Deterrence

• Prithvi-II

  • Range: ~250–350 km

  • Role: Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)

  • Nuclear-capable

  • Liquid-fuelled

• Agni-I

  • Range: ~700–900 km

  • Role: SRBM, part of the Agni missile series

  • Designed to fill the gap between Prithvi and Agni-II

  • Solid-fuelled, quick deployment

• Significance of Tests:

  • Conducted under Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which manages India’s nuclear arsenal.

  • Validated key technical-operational parameters.

  • Ensures credible minimum deterrence, a cornerstone of India’s No First Use (NFU) doctrine.

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🧩 Strategic Implications

1. For India’s Military Doctrine

• These successful trials align with the “Proactive Defence” strategy.

• Demonstrate technological credibility in extreme environments.

2. Geopolitical Message

• Reinforces India's preparedness amidst China-Pakistan dual-front threats.

• Shows commitment to modernising defence without dependency on foreign systems.

3. Technological Sovereignty

• DRDO’s indigenous breakthroughs reduce reliance on imports.

• Paves the way for exports under Defence Export Policy (target: $5 billion by 2025).

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🧭 Way Forward

Focus Area	Required Actions
R&D and Testing	Expand indigenous test facilities in varied terrains (desert, oceanic, high-altitude)
Logistics Integration	Faster deployment and mobility integration of Akash units in border theatres
Export Potential	Tap into Global South markets through Make-in-India incentives
Civil-Military Synergy	Promote academic linkages (IITs, DRDO, Army Tech Corps) for dual-use technologies

📌 Conclusion

India’s defence preparedness has entered a new phase with high-altitude trials of Akash Prime and strategic missile launches under the Strategic Forces Command. These aren’t just missiles; they are symbols of deterrence, sovereignty, and trust in indigenous capabilities. As geopolitical tectonics shift, India's missiles don’t just aim at targets—they signal resilience in a volatile neighbourhood.

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🧠 For UPSC Aspirants:
Frame answers on:

• Role of indigenous defence tech in national security (GS-3)

• Strategic Forces Command and India’s nuclear doctrine

• India-China border defence dynamics

• Application of defence tech in extreme climates