The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully conducted a series of user trials of the Pralay short-range ballistic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. The trials mark a significant milestone in the operational evaluation of India’s indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile system.
According to defence officials, two Pralay missiles were test-fired at approximately 10:00 am, followed by another launch shortly thereafter. The trials were carried out as part of a scheduled user-level assessment to evaluate the missile’s performance under defined operational parameters. All launches met the stated objectives, with no deviations reported during the testing process.
Missile Capabilities and Design
Pralay is a short-range ballistic missile with an operational strike range between 150 km and 500 km. Designed for conventional combat roles, the missile is capable of delivering high-precision strikes against strategic targets, including radar installations, command centres, and airstrips.
Developed using indigenous technologies, the Pralay missile reflects India’s ongoing efforts to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The system can carry a conventional warhead weighing between 500 kg and 1,000 kg, offering flexibility for a range of mission requirements.
Navigation and Accuracy Systems
The missile is equipped with an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), supported by a radio frequency seeker, which enables accurate guidance throughout its flight. These systems allow the missile to maintain its intended trajectory and achieve a high degree of target accuracy.
Officials stated that the latest user trials were conducted to validate these navigation and precision capabilities under operational conditions, further strengthening confidence in the missile’s readiness for deployment.
