Pralay-Indigenous quasi-ballistic missile system

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted User Evaluation Trials for its indigenous quasi-ballistic missile system, ‘Pralay’. These trials, held over two consecutive days (July 28th and 29th, 2025) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, validated the missile’s range capabilities in collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces.

Key features and significance of ‘Pralay’:

• Type: ‘Pralay’ is an indigenously developed solid propellant-driven, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile system. A quasi-ballistic missile is largely ballistic but can perform maneuvers in flight or make unexpected changes in direction and range, making it harder to intercept.
• Capabilities: It is designed to carry various types of conventional warheads (ranging from 350 kg to 1000 kg, including high-explosive fragmentation, penetration-cum-blast, and runway-denial munitions) and engage multiple target profiles with high precision. Its range is between 150 km and 500 km.
• Advanced Technology: The missile employs state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems, ensuring pin-point accuracy. Its ability to maneuver mid-flight and change trajectory in the terminal phase enhances its survivability against modern air defense systems. It can be launched from a mobile platform, ensuring rapid deployment.
• Development & Collaboration: The development of ‘Pralay’ involved several DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Armament Research & Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory. Critical industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and various MSMEs also contributed to its realization.
• Strategic Significance: ‘Pralay’ is India’s first conventional quasi-ballistic missile, filling a critical gap in the country’s conventional strike capabilities.