DRDO successfully tests indigenously developed Pralay missile

Why in News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile Pralay on 5 November 2026 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

• The test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials.
• The missile successfully met all stipulated objectives, as confirmed by data captured through various range instruments.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful test as a milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Key Features of Pralay Missile

• Type: Short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile.
• Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories.
• Propulsion: Solid-propellant technology.
• Range: Approximately 150–500 km.
• Payload capacity: 500–1,000 kg.
• Warhead: Designed to carry conventional warheads.
• Guidance: Equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems for improved targeting accuracy.

What is a Quasi-Ballistic Missile?

• A quasi-ballistic missile follows a relatively low and manoeuvrable trajectory rather than a conventional, largely predictable ballistic path.
• It can manoeuvre during flight and alter aspects of its trajectory.
• This makes its flight path less predictable and can complicate interception by an adversary’s air defence systems.

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