India Successfully Tests Indigenous Pralay Missile in Salvo Launch
Successful Testing of Pralay Missile
As the New Year approaches, celebrations are underway globally. Amidst this festive atmosphere, India has made headlines with a significant achievement. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a test of the indigenously developed 'Pralay' missile. This was not just any test; it was a 'salvo launch' that has sent shockwaves through adversaries. In military terminology, a 'salvo launch' refers to the simultaneous or closely timed firing of multiple weapons. On Wednesday, user trials of the Pralay short-range ballistic missile were carried out from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. This marks a crucial milestone in the integration of this domestically developed weapon system.
Officials reported that two missiles were tested around 10 AM as part of a scheduled evaluation program, followed by the launch of another missile shortly thereafter. These tests were conducted to assess the missile's operational performance against user-defined parameters, achieving all objectives without any deviations.
Features and Capabilities of the Pralay Missile
The Pralay missile, developed by DRDO, is a surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile with a striking range of approximately 150 km to 500 km. Designed for conventional warfare, it is capable of accurately targeting strategic assets such as radar installations, command and control centers, and airstrips. Fully manufactured using indigenous technology, the Pralay missile underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It can carry conventional warheads weighing between 500 kg and 1,000 kg, providing flexibility for various operational requirements.
This weapon system is equipped with an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS) that includes a radio frequency seeker, enabling high precision and accurate terminal guidance. These features ensure that the missile remains on its designated path and accurately strikes its target. Officials noted that user trials were conducted to evaluate the missile's capabilities in real operational conditions, marking a significant step towards its deployment within the armed forces.