New Delhi, India, September 17 (Indian Defence News) – In a significant development, the Defence Ministry of India has given the green light to a proposal for the procurement of around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles, a move that promises to bolster the Indian Army’s firepower and deterrence capabilities. These advanced missiles, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are set to be deployed along the sensitive borders with China and Pakistan.
The Pralay missile is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile boasting an impressive range of 150 to 500 kilometers and a payload capacity of up to 500 kilograms. Fueled by a solid propellant rocket motor, it features a cutting-edge navigation and integrated avionics system, making it a formidable addition to India’s defense arsenal.
The induction of the Pralay missile into the Indian Army is expected to greatly enhance the nation’s ability to strike deep into enemy territories. The missile’s unique capability to alter its trajectory mid-flight presents a formidable challenge to any attempts at interception by adversaries.
This procurement marks a significant step towards India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the defense sector, underlining the nation’s commitment to strengthening its security posture. The Pralay missile’s development and impending induction also underscore the growing prowess of the DRDO in the field of advanced missile technology.
The Pralay missile is scheduled to be first inducted into the Indian Air Force, followed by the Indian Army, with the deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC), which are India’s borders with China and Pakistan, respectively.
Expected to be integrated into the Indian Army by 2025, the Pralay missile is being manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a testament to India’s efforts in promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.
Key specifications of the Pralay missile include a range of 150 to 500 kilometers, a payload capacity of 500 kilograms, a state-of-the-art guidance system, solid propellant rocket motor propulsion, and a conventional warhead.
The Defence Ministry’s approval for the acquisition of a regiment of Pralay ballistic missiles is a significant strategic move, allowing the Indian Army to utilize these missiles with conventional warheads in tactical roles. This decision follows a similar approval for the Indian Air Force, demonstrating a coordinated effort to enhance India’s defense capabilities.
The inclusion of Pralay missiles in the Indian Army’s arsenal is particularly noteworthy as it aligns with the country’s policy allowing the use of ballistic missiles in tactical roles. This development brings India in line with its neighboring countries, China and Pakistan, both of which possess ballistic missiles designed for tactical operations. Furthermore, the missile’s range can be extended significantly if the need arises, offering flexibility in defense strategy.
The Pralay missile program, which commenced its development around 2015, received impetus during the tenure of the late General Bipin Rawat as the Chief of Army Staff. It demonstrated its capabilities with successful tests conducted on consecutive days in December of the previous year.
The ‘Pralay’ missile, classified as a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile, incorporates advanced technologies that enable it to counter interceptor missiles effectively. Its ability to alter its flight path mid-course, coupled with a solid propellant rocket motor and cutting-edge guidance systems, positions it as a formidable asset in India’s defense arsenal.
