In a significant boost to its defence capabilities, India successfully carried out the test-firing of two indigenously developed Pralay surface-to-surface missiles on Wednesday. The consecutive launches from a single launcher took place off the coast of Odisha, marking a crucial step in the weapon system's user evaluation trials.
Pralay Missile: Capabilities and Specifications
The Pralay missile is a formidable short-range, surface-to-surface weapon system developed entirely within India. It boasts a substantial payload capacity, capable of carrying between 500 to 1,000 kilograms of conventional warheads. The missile's operational range is versatile, covering distances from 150 to 500 kilometres.
Designed as a solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay is engineered to defeat interceptor missiles. It features a state-of-the-art navigation system that ensures high precision and accuracy in striking its targets. The defence ministry highlighted that the missile can carry multiple types of warheads to engage various kinds of targets effectively.
Details of the Successful Twin Test
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) executed the twin test-firing at approximately 10:30 hours on December 31. The launches were conducted as a part of the ongoing user evaluation trials, which are the final stages before a weapon system is inducted into service.
In an official statement, the defence ministry confirmed the success of the mission, stating, "The flight-test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials. Both the missiles followed the intended trajectory meeting all flight objectives as confirmed by tracking sensors." The successful salvo launch from the same launcher also demonstrated the system's reliability and readiness for serial production.
Leadership Reaction and Development Consortium
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh promptly congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, defence public sector undertakings, and the involved industry partners. He emphasized that the successful test had "established the reliability of the missile."
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, also extended his congratulations to the teams. He indicated that this achievement signals the imminent readiness for induction of the Pralay system with the user services—the Indian Armed Forces.
The missile is a product of collaborative excellence, primarily developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. The project involved synergy with several other premier DRDO laboratories, including:
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL)
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
This successful test underscores India's growing self-reliance in developing advanced, strategic defence technology and strengthens its tactical missile arsenal.
