In a significant boost to India's defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully conducted a flight test of its indigenously developed missile, 'Pralay'.
The test was conducted at 11:10 AM from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast as part of crucial User Evaluation Trials, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
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"The test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials and successfully met all the stipulated objectives, as validated by data captured through various range instruments," he said.
Range, Capacity, And Specifications
Powered by a solid-propellant motor, 'Pralay' is a short-range quasi-ballistic missile designed for high-precision strikes within an operational range of 150 km to 500 km. Its strike distance dynamically varies based on the warhead load:
- 1,000 kg Payload: Provides a strike range of up to 350 km.
- 500 kg Payload: Extends operational range to approximately 500 km.
Equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems, it is capable of carrying multiple warheads to engage a variety of targets.
Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory And Mobile Launcher Advantage
The most defining feature of the 'Pralay' missile is its advanced quasi-ballistic trajectory. Unlike standard ballistic missiles that follow a predictable, fixed path, 'Pralay' is capable of shifting its direction and path mid-flight, making it virtually impossible for enemy air defence systems to track or intercept.
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Additionally, it can be fired from a mobile launcher, meaning it can be easily moved and deployed in a combat situation. The combination of solid-fuel technology and high mobility provides the Indian Army with excellent operational flexibility in dynamic combat situations.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com)