Bhadrak: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully test-fired its surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) ‘Pralay’ from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.
The test was conducted at 9.35 am and met all its mission objectives, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in missile technology and its commitment to self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
‘Pralay’ is a canisterised surface-to-surface missile, allowing it to be launched from a mobile platform. This enhances its operational flexibility and survivability, with a launch preparation time of under 10 minutes. It boasts a range of 150-500 km and can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg.
The missile is designed for precision strikes on high value enemy targets, including air bases, supply depots and troop concentrations.
Pralay is also described as a “quasi-ballistic” missile, which functions as a ballistic missile, launched vertically and following a low trajectory hyperbolic flight trajectory from its firing point to the designated target, but has the ability of the warheads to change course or be manoeuvred in the later stages of its flight, somewhat like a cruise missile. It features advanced guidance systems, including inertial navigation and a radio frequency seeker for terminal guidance.
It is roughly of the same size and weight as that of Prithvi, but a considerably longer range, giving the armed forces the flexibility to strike strategic targets deep inside enemy territory without crossing the nuclear threshold.
Its deployment is aimed at providing credible deterrence and a swift conventional response along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, according to reports.
