India has conducted a test launch from a rail-based platform of the Agni Prime medium-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. This suggests that the small group of missile train operators has gained a new member.
The corresponding video was published by the country's Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, highlighting that very few countries in the world can achieve such a feat. He also noted that this would provide greater mobility with inconspicuous rapid movement across the country.
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From Defense Express we would like to note that trains with launchers for nuclear weapons were created during the Cold War in the USSR and later in the U.S. However, with the end of the Cold War, they were decommissioned due to reduced defense spending, which was redirected to other means of deterrence.
Over time, China developed similar railway missile capabilities, and in 2021, even North Korea conducted related tests. In fact, these countries are currently the main operators of such systems, although russia periodically promises to resume their use.
With a range of up to 2,000 km, India's Agni Prime is not an ICBM but still possesses considerable firepower to target neighboring countries. The latter include India’s main adversaries, such as Pakistan and, despite recent efforts to improve relations, China. Both possess nuclear weapons.
The rail-based launcher allows for rapid movement across the country's railways and quick deployment for strikes. As a fairly large country, India benefits greatly from this, since road-based platforms would find it harder to provide the same mobility.
Another major advantage of rail‑based missile launchers is their low visibility, achieved both by blending in with other trains and by using railway infrastructure such as tunnels. Tracking is theoretically possible, but it can be more difficult than for road‑based launchers.
Naturally, all this comes with significant development and operational costs. At the same time, by testing the system and showcasing it globally, India appears ready to absorb extra costs and advance the project.
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