Flight-Tests of the Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile

Source:  TOI

Context: DRDO successfully conducted two back-to-back flight-tests of the Pralay quasi-ballistic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

About Flight-Tests of the Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile:

• What is Pralay Missile?

• • Pralay is a surface-to-surface, solid-fuelled, quasi-ballistic missile developed for conventional precision strikes.
  • It has state-of-the-art guidance and navigation for pin-point accuracy.

• Developed By:

• • Designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with:
    • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
    • Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL)
    • Other DRDO labs & industry partners like BDL and BEL

• Objectives of the Recent Test:

• • Validate maximum and minimum range capabilities under User Evaluation Trials.
  • Confirm performance of subsystems under real conditions before induction.

• Features:

• • Range: Up to 500 km
  • Payload: Can carry up to 1000 kg warheads, including unitary and cluster types
  • Accuracy: Equipped with quasi-ballistic trajectory and in-flight manoeuvrability
  • Navigation: Features Inertial Navigation System (INS) and satellite-based guidance
  • Mobility: Road-mobile and quick-launch system—vital for tactical response

• Strategic Significance:

• • Strengthens India’s non-nuclear deterrence posture with high-speed conventional strikes.
  • Enhances India’s preparedness for Operation Sindoor-style contingencies.
  • A key asset for the proposed Integrated Rocket Force (IRF)—India’s new missile command.