India conducts successful test of 'long-range nuclear-capable' missile

India has marked another major milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful test of a long-range strategic missile system and advanced indigenous strike technologies, strengthening its position among the world’s leading military powers.

The test was conducted on Friday (May 8) off the Odisha coast under the supervision of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to Indian media reports.

India’s Ministry of Defence said the maiden flight trial of the “Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation” (TARA) system was completed successfully. Developed using indigenous technology, TARA is designed to convert conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided glide weapons capable of striking targets with high accuracy.

Defence analysts say the system will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s stand-off strike capability.

Alongside the TARA programme, Indian media outlets also reported recent successful tests of long-range hypersonic and strategic missile systems developed by DRDO. One such hypersonic anti-ship missile reportedly demonstrated a strike range exceeding 1,500 kilometres and speeds reaching Mach 10 during trials conducted earlier this month.

Although speculation has surfaced in some media and online discussions linking the latest developments to India’s proposed Agni-6 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programme, Indian authorities have not officially confirmed any Agni-6 test or publicly disclosed a missile with a 10,000-kilometre range capability.

DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat recently stated that India is technically prepared for future long-range missile programmes, while the ruling BJP also highlighted the country’s growing strategic capabilities through promotional videos shared on social media.

Defence observers say the latest tests underscore India’s increasing focus on indigenous military technology, precision-strike systems, and advanced missile development amid evolving regional security dynamics.