India on Friday evening carried out the maiden test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off the Odisha coast, marking a major step in the country’s strategic defence capabilities. The missile was launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), although the organisation has not yet officially announced the test.

A defence source confirmed the development and said, “Though the test-launch doesn’t look like that of an Agni-6 missile, the missile tested today is of ICBM category.” Days earlier, reports had indicated that DRDO was preparing for a missile launch belonging to the ICBM category.

The successful test places India closer to joining a small group of countries that possess advanced intercontinental ballistic missile technology. At present, only the United States, Russia, China and North Korea have deployed ICBMs with ranges exceeding 12,000 kilometres. France and the United Kingdom also possess operational nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile technology.

If India fully develops and perfects this capability, it would significantly increase the reach of its missile systems. Countries across the world, including the United States, would come within India’s strike range. The development is considered important for strengthening strategic deterrence and boosting India’s global defence standing.

The launch also came shortly after DRDO chairman Samir V Kamath spoke about the Agni-6 programme during a defence summit. He had said, “the moment government gives permission, we are ready to move forward. All technical preparations are complete”.

The possession of nuclear-capable ICBM technology is considered a key part of a country’s strategic defence system. It gives a nation the ability to respond to a nuclear attack, which acts as a deterrent against enemies planning a first strike. The technology also reflects progress in complex rocket propulsion systems, advanced guidance mechanisms and re-entry technologies.

Last Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party had hinted at the upcoming Agni-6 development through a post on X. The party wrote, “Agni-6: India marching towards becoming a superpower! With a strike range of 10,000+ km and MIRV technology, Agni-6 is ready to make history. This missile will make India's security impregnable and place us in the league of the world's most powerful nations. Powerful India, Secure India!”

The party had also shared a video explaining the significance of the programme. In the video, BJP stated that till now, only “five countries have the power of intercontinental ballistic missiles: America, Russia, China, France and Britain. Now, India is going to strengthen its position in the same league. With the strike power of long distance, India’s reach is not only going to be regional but also going to be more global”.

Globally, Russia currently operates some of the world’s longest-range missile systems, including the RS-28 Sarmat and the R-29RMU2.1 Layner, both capable of ranges beyond 12,000 kilometres. China has deployed the DF-41, which is believed to have a range between 12,000 and 15,000 kilometres. The United States possesses the LGM-30G Minuteman III and the upcoming LGM-35 Sentinel. North Korea has also previously tested missiles believed to have ranges between 10,000 and 15,000 kilometres.

Along with the ICBM development, India has also achieved another major breakthrough in defence technology. The country has developed a glide weapon system that can convert an unguided or “dumb” warhead into a guided or “smart” weapon. This achievement places India among a select group of nations that possess advanced stand-off weapon capabilities.

On Thursday, DRDO and the Indian Air Force jointly conducted the first flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the Odisha coast. The defence ministry confirmed the successful trial on Friday.

The modular range extension kit developed under the programme is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to transform unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. The technology is expected to improve accuracy and strengthen India’s strike capabilities in future operations.