In a significant boost to India's tactical strike capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out a salvo launch of its indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile. The test, conducted off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday, was a crucial part of the ongoing user evaluation trials for the armed forces.
Precision Flight and Terminal Confirmation
Both missiles fired in quick succession followed their pre-planned trajectory perfectly and achieved all designated flight parameters. Data from tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur confirmed the successful flight path. The final impact events were verified by telemetry systems installed on a ship stationed near the designated target points in the Bay of Bengal, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.
The Pralay missile is a state-of-the-art, solid-propellant weapon system designed for high precision. It employs advanced guidance and navigation systems developed within the country. The missile is versatile, capable of carrying different types of conventional warheads to engage a variety of targets on the battlefield.
Collaborative Development and Path to Induction
The sophisticated weapon system is the result of extensive collaboration between multiple DRDO laboratories and industry partners. The project was led by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad. Key contributions came from three Pune-based establishments: the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE].
Other major participants included the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). Production partners Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, along with several other industries and MSMEs, played a vital role in the system's development and integration.
Strategic Significance and Official Reactions
This successful salvo test is a critical milestone, establishing the reliability and readiness of the Pralay system for the armed forces. The missile, whose name translates to 'widespread destruction', had its first test in December 2021. Further user trials were conducted over two days in July this year. Following the completion of these evaluation trials, the missile is slated for induction into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The launch event was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Air Force and Army, and industry partners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the armed forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and the industry on the back-to-back successful launches. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the teams involved, stating that the achievement signals the system's imminent readiness for deployment with the users.
Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable arched path, quasi-ballistic missiles like Pralay fly at a lower trajectory and possess the crucial ability to manoeuvre and change course during flight. This makes them harder to intercept and provides greater tactical flexibility, marking a substantial advancement in India's conventional deterrent posture.
