India has moved closer to inducting its indigenous Pralay quasi-ballistic missile into military service after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test off the Odisha coast on November 5. The trial took place at approximately 11:10 a.m. from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island as part of user evaluation trials. According to the Defence Ministry, the missile achieved all stipulated objectives, bringing it closer to operational deployment. Pralay is a short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile developed to deliver conventional warheads against high-value military targets. Designed for tactical battlefield operations, it provides the armed forces with a precision-strike capability at ranges beyond those covered by conventional artillery systems. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles that generally follow predictable trajectories, Pralay can manoeuvre during flight and alter its path, making interception more difficult for adversary air-defence systems. The missile uses solid-propellant technology and advanced guidance and navigation systems to improve accuracy. It has a reported strike range of approximately 150km to 500km and can carry payloads weighing between 500kg and 1,000kg, with different conventional warhead options providing flexibility against military infrastructure and other strategically important targets. Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad in collaboration with other laboratories, the missile has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, one of its development-cum-production partners. Senior DRDO officials, defence industry representatives and armed forces personnel attended the November 5 trial, while performance data was recorded through instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces and industry partners, describing the successful test as another significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. The successful user evaluation trial supports India’s wider objective of expanding domestic missile development and reducing reliance on imported military systems. With induction described as imminent, Pralay is approaching operational service and is expected to provide the armed forces with an additional precision-guided conventional strike option.
