DRDO successfully test-fires indigenous Pralay missile off Odisha coast

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully test-fired the indigenous quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The test was part of the user evaluation trials. Three DRDO research establishments based in Pune made a significant contribution to the missile's design and development.

Pralay is an indigenous solid-fuel missile. It is fitted with a modern guidance and navigation system that allows it to strike targets accurately. To hit different kinds of targets, the missile can carry several types of conventional warheads. There are plans to induct it into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The missile was first tested in December 2021. Several tests in different configurations followed. Last December, a salvo launch, in which two missiles were fired in quick succession, was also successful. Once the current user evaluation trials are completed, the missile will be ready for induction into the services.

Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad is the main establishment behind its development. Three Pune establishments contributed alongside it: the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers). Other DRDO research establishments are also associated with the project.

According to the Ministry of Defence, all the set objectives were met during the test. This was confirmed on the basis of data from the various instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Bharat Dynamics Limited, the development-cum-production partner, built the missile.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces and the industry partners on the successful test. He expressed confidence that the missile, equipped with advanced technology, would add to the technological strength of the armed forces and further strengthen preparedness against evolving threats. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated all the teams involved in the test.