Pralay Missile Test Powers India’s Rapid Strike Strength
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha at about 1030 hrs on December 31, 2025. The flight test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials. Both missiles followed the intended trajectory, meeting all flight objectives as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The terminal events were confirmed by the Telemetry systems installed onboard the ship, deployed near the impact points.
This test is important because a salvo launch checks whether a missile system can fire more than one missile quickly without errors. In real defence situations, such an ability is vital. It shows that the launcher, control systems and crew can handle fast, repeated firing. Conducting the test off the Odisha coast is standard practice, as the area has long been used for missile trials due to strong tracking facilities and a safe sea corridor. User evaluation trials mean the armed forces are directly involved, checking whether the missile meets their real battlefield needs, not just lab standards.
Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.
Pralay fills a key gap in India’s tactical missile strength. A quasi-ballistic missile flies lower than traditional ballistic missiles, making it harder for enemy radar systems to track and intercept. Solid propellant allows quicker launch and easier storage, which is useful during emergencies. High-precision guidance helps reduce collateral damage and improves accuracy against specific targets like air bases, command centres or logistics hubs. The ability to carry different warheads gives the armed forces flexibility to match the missile to the mission.
The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories – Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Research & Development Establishment {Engineers} and Integrated Test Range), Development-cum-Production Partners (Bharat Dynamics Limited & Bharat Electronics Limited) and other Indian industries. For the tests, the systems were integrated by the two Development-cum-Production Partners. The tests were witnessed by senior scientists of DRDO, representatives of users from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, as well as industry representatives, including the Development-cum-Production Partners.
This wide collaboration shows how complex modern missile systems are. Each laboratory plays a specific role, from propulsion and materials to guidance, electronics and final testing. Bharat Dynamics Limited has long experience in missile production, while Bharat Electronics Limited supports advanced electronics and control systems. Their role in integration means the missile is closer to mass production, not just experimental use. The presence of the Army and Air Force during the test highlights joint planning, as both services may use the missile in different operational roles.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, DPSUs and the industry on the successful launch of the missiles in quick succession. The successful completion of the salvo launch of the Pralay missile has established the reliability of the missile, he said.
Such public appreciation from the Defence Minister carries weight. It signals political confidence in the system and supports faster decision-making for induction. Reliability is a key factor for any weapon system, as even small failures can have serious consequences in combat. Repeated successful tests help build trust among users and planners, and also send a message to both allies and potential adversaries about India’s growing defence capabilities.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kama,t has congratulated the DRDO teams involved in the successful flight-tests and stated that the achievement indicates imminent readiness of induction of the system with the users.
Induction readiness means the missile has cleared most technical and operational hurdles. Once inducted, training of crews, deployment planning and logistics support begin. Pralay’s progress fits into India’s broader aim of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports quicker response options for the armed forces, especially in short-range and tactical strike scenarios. Overall, the successful salvo launch marks a steady step forward in India’s missile development journey, combining tested technology with user confidence.
