India’s defence capabilities received a major boost as the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two back-to-back flight tests of the indigenously developed Pralay missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on July 28 and 29.
The trials were part of user evaluation exercises aimed at validating both the minimum and maximum range capabilities of the tactical missile system. According to officials, both missiles followed designated trajectories and achieved precise target strikes with high accuracy, meeting all test objectives.
The trials were witnessed by senior DRDO scientists, personnel from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army, and industry partners. Data from various tracking sensors, including shipborne instruments at the impact site, confirmed optimal performance of all subsystems.
Pralay, a quasi-ballistic missile powered by solid propellant, reflects India’s strides in homegrown defence technology. Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the missile uses state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems and is designed for rapid launch — within 10 minutes — from mobile canister platforms. With a range spanning 150 to 500 km and a payload capacity up to 1,000 kg, it enhances India’s conventional strike capabilities across strategic frontlines like the LAC and LoC.
The missile system is a product of collaborative efforts among several DRDO labs, including Research Centre Imarat, and industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.
