DRDO Pralay Missile Launch
In a landmark achievement for India’s defence sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles off the Odisha coast. This test marks a significant step in strengthening India’s tactical strike capabilities and advancing the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence technology.
Key Highlights of the Salvo Launch
- Date & Location: Conducted on December 31, 2025 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
- Salvo Launch: Two Pralay missiles fired in quick succession from the same launcher.
- Objective: User evaluation trials to validate operational readiness and reliability.
- Outcome: Both missiles achieved mission objectives with precision, confirming DRDO’s technological excellence.
About the Pralay Missile
The Pralay missile is a solid-fuel, quasi-ballistic missile designed for tactical battlefield roles. Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with DRDL and ASL, it represents India’s cutting-edge missile technology.
Key Features:
- Range: 150–500 km, ideal for short to medium-range tactical strikes.
- Payload: Multiple conventional warheads, including high-explosive and cluster munitions.
- Guidance System: Advanced navigation and control for pinpoint accuracy.
- Trajectory: Quasi-ballistic, capable of maneuvering mid-flight to evade interception.
This makes Pralay a formidable weapon against enemy bases, logistics hubs, and command centers.
Strategic Importance
The successful salvo launch demonstrates India’s ability to conduct saturation strikes, overwhelming enemy air defence systems with multiple missiles fired in rapid succession.
Why it matters:
- Enhances operational flexibility for the armed forces.
- Strengthens deterrence capabilities in the region.
- Validates India’s indigenous missile development programme.
- Reduces dependence on foreign defence imports.
Military experts believe Pralay will bridge the gap between short-range battlefield weapons and longer-range strategic missiles, giving India a decisive edge in tactical warfare.
Government & Defence Reactions
The Ministry of Defence hailed the test as a “major milestone in India’s missile development journey.” Officials emphasized that the success reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.
Defence analysts noted that the Pralay missile could be a game-changer for the Indian Armed Forces, offering rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities in high-pressure combat scenarios.
Future Roadmap
With the salvo launch validated, the Pralay missile is now closer to induction into the Indian Armed Forces. Upcoming trials will focus on:
- Testing under varied operational conditions.
- Integration with mobile launch platforms.
- Deployment in network-centric warfare environments.
This achievement also paves the way for further advancements in India’s missile technology, reinforcing its position as a rising defence power.
Conclusion
The successful salvo launch of Pralay missiles off Odisha coast is a defining moment in India’s defence history. It showcases DRDO’s innovation, strengthens India’s tactical strike capabilities, and underscores the nation’s march towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With its precision, versatility, and indigenous design, the Pralay missile is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s tactical missile arsenal.