Pralay, India’s First Quasi-Ballistic Conventional Missile, Test-Fired Successfully

India conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of Pralay, its first indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile, designed exclusively for conventional strikes, on July 28 and 29. The tests, conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its tactical strike capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which led the trials, confirmed that both tests validated the missile’s full operational envelope, ranging from 150 to 500 kilometres, with “pinpoint accuracy.”

“The missiles followed the intended trajectory precisely and hit their target points, meeting all mission objectives. All subsystems performed as expected, verified through tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), including instruments placed on ships near the impact zone,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Interceptor-Evading Precision Weapon

Pralay is a surface-to-surface solid-propellant missile equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems that allow it to manoeuvre mid-flight. This feature makes it significantly harder for enemy missile interceptor systems to engage. Designed to strike high-value targets such as enemy airbases, command centres, and logistics hubs, the missile can carry conventional warheads weighing between 350 and 700 kilograms.

Its quasi-ballistic profile combines the speed and range of a ballistic missile with the ability to alter trajectory in the terminal phase, enhancing survivability against modern air defence systems.

User Trials and Future Induction

The latest tests were part of User Evaluation Trials, a critical phase before induction into service with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Senior DRDO scientists, user representatives from the armed forces, and industry partners were present to witness the launches.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the armed forces, and industry partners on this achievement.

“Pralay, with its advanced technologies, will give our armed forces a significant operational edge,” Singh said.

Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman, DRDO, hailed the success as a stepping stone towards early induction.

“The successful completion of this phase-1 flight tests paves the way for the induction of the system into the Armed Forces in the near future,” Kamat noted.

A Collaborative Effort

Pralay’s development was spearheaded by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, with contributions from other DRDO labs including the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research & Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. Industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), along with numerous MSMEs, have been critical in shaping the missile’s design and production.

Mobile and Quick-Response Platform

A key operational feature of Pralay is its mobility. Mounted on a high-mobility vehicle with a twin-canister launcher, the missile can be rapidly deployed along active borders, enabling swift response during conflict or crisis situations. This capability is particularly relevant in contested zones where escalation control and rapid retaliation are vital.

Strategic Significance

Unlike India’s strategic ballistic missiles, which are designed for nuclear deterrence, Pralay is aimed solely at delivering conventional firepower. It positions it as a tactical strike weapon for battlefield use, offering flexibility to military commanders without crossing the nuclear threshold.

Pralay complements India’s existing arsenal of short-range precision strike weapons like BrahMos and Prahaar missiles. Its induction is expected to provide an effective counter to China’s DF-series conventional missiles and Pakistan’s battlefield-range ballistic missile systems.

Earlier this year, Pralay was showcased during the Republic Day parade, underscoring its growing importance in India’s missile inventory. It is intended for deployment along both the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

With its 500-kilometre range, high accuracy, and ability to evade interceptors, Pralay is poised to become a critical asset for India’s conventional deterrence posture. Its quick-launch capability makes it particularly suited for rapid escalation scenarios where conventional firepower must be delivered deep into enemy-held territory within minutes.

What’s Next?

Following the successful trials, DRDO will move towards series production of Pralay in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The missile is expected to enter operational service with the Army and Air Force within the next year, marking the first time India will deploy a ballistic missile designed exclusively for non-nuclear strikes.

Team BharatShakti