India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay, will make its public debut at the 74th Republic Day parade on January 26. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this short-range surface-to-surface missile is poised to strengthen India’s military arsenal with its precision and versatility.
Key Features of Pralay Missile:
- Range and Payload:
- Operates within a range of 150–500 km.
- Capable of carrying a 350–700 kg warhead, including:
- High explosive preformed fragmentation warheads.
- Penetration-cum-blast (PCB) warheads.
- Runway denial penetration submunition (RDPS) warheads.
- Technological Highlights:
- Powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor with cutting-edge technology for enhanced performance.
- Designed to evade interceptor missiles, ensuring effectiveness against defensive systems.
- Capable of in-flight manoeuvres, giving it an edge over conventional ballistic missiles by reducing predictability.
- Development and Induction:
- Project sanctioned in 2015 and derived from the Prahaar missile programme (tested in 2011).
- Ready for induction by 2022, taking just seven years to develop.
- Marks a significant addition to the Army’s tactical conventional missile inventory.
- Operational Role:
- Aimed at hitting key enemy positions and installations in the battlefield with high accuracy.
- Offers deadly punitive capabilities, making it a critical component in tactical operations.
Comparisons with Global Counterparts:
- China’s Dong Feng 12 (DF-12) and Russia’s Iskander missile are comparable to Pralay in terms of specifications and operational use.
- The US Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a short-range ballistic missile, shares a similar development trajectory, with increasing range capabilities.
(Sources: The Print and The Hindu )
