DRDO Successfully Tests Pralay Missile
Key points
Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile on 5 November 2026.
The missile was launched at approximately 11:10 AM from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, all test objectives were successfully achieved. The results were verified using tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
The test was conducted as part of User Evaluation Trials, bringing the missile closer to induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
What is the Pralay Missile?
Pralay is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface, short-range quasi-ballistic missile designed to strike strategic military targets with high precision.
It uses solid-propellant propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation technology.
Key Features of Pralay Missile
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Missile Name | Pralay |
Missile Type | Quasi-Ballistic Missile |
Range | Approximately 150–500 km |
Launch Type | Surface-to-Surface |
Propulsion | Solid Propellant |
Developed By | DRDO |
Lead Laboratory | Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad |
Production Partner | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Test Location | Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha |
What is a Quasi-Ballistic Missile?
A quasi-ballistic missile follows a relatively lower trajectory than a conventional ballistic missile and can manoeuvre during flight.
This makes its flight path less predictable and can make interception by enemy air-defence systems more challenging.
Why is the Successful Test Important?
Indigenous Defence Capability: Strengthens India's self-reliance in advanced missile technology.
Military Preparedness: Improves the Armed Forces' conventional precision-strike capabilities.
User Evaluation: Demonstrates the missile's performance under operational evaluation conditions.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Highlights cooperation between DRDO laboratories and Indian defence manufacturers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces and industry partners on the successful flight test.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
The Pralay missile is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO. Its development was led by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as a production partner.
The missile has an approximate range of 150–500 km and uses solid-propellant technology. It was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, and its performance was monitored by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. DRDO functions under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Conclusion
The successful flight test of the Pralay quasi-ballistic missile marks an important milestone in India's indigenous defence development programme. The successful user evaluation strengthens the prospects of its induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
