Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha.
The trials were conducted as part of user evaluation trials and were witnessed by senior officials from DRDO, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and defence industry partners.
Key Highlights
- Two Pralay quasi-ballistic missiles were launched back-to-back from a single launcher, meeting a critical operational requirement.
- Both missiles:
- Followed precise intended trajectories
- Achieved all mission objectives
- The trials validated:
- Precision
- Reliability
- Battlefield readiness
- Missile performance was confirmed using:
- Integrated Test Range (ITR) tracking sensors
- Onboard telemetry systems installed on ships near impact points
- The tests were conducted from Chandipur, Odisha, a key missile testing hub with:
- Clear over-sea launch corridor
- Advanced tracking and telemetry infrastructure
What is a Salvo Launch?
- Salvo launch refers to the rapid firing of multiple missiles in succession from the same platform.
- Purpose:
- Overwhelm enemy air and missile defence systems
- Increase probability of target neutralisation
- It is a critical capability in modern, high-intensity warfare.
About Pralay Missile
- Type: Surface-to-Surface, Short-Range Quasi-Ballistic Missile
- Range: Approximately 150 km to 500 km
- Propulsion: Solid-propellant
- Trajectory: Depressed, manoeuvrable (quasi-ballistic)
- Guidance: Advanced guidance and navigation systems
- Warhead Capability: Can carry multiple types of warheads
- Launch Platform: Road-mobile launcher
Key Technical Features
- Quasi-ballistic trajectory:
- Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, Pralay follows a depressed and manoeuvrable flight path
- Reduces enemy interception probability
- High manoeuvrability:
- Enables last-phase course correction
- Solid-fuel propulsion:
- Faster launch readiness
- Lower maintenance compared to liquid-fuel missiles
- High accuracy and survivability:
- Suitable for precision strike missions
Development & Indigenous Collaboration
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
Supported by multiple DRDO laboratories, including:
- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL)
- Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
- Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
- R&DE (Engineers)
- Integrated Test Range (ITR)
Production & system integration supported by:
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Strategic & Operational Significance
- Demonstrates enhanced battlefield effectiveness through rapid multi-missile launches.
- Confirms operational reliability, a prerequisite for induction into armed forces.
- Strengthens India’s indigenous missile development ecosystem.
- Signals imminent induction of Pralay into active service.
- Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Enhances India’s conventional deterrence capability, especially in regional conflict scenarios.
Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
- Located in Odisha
- One of India’s premier missile testing facilities
- Provides:
- Long-range telemetry
- Radar tracking
- Electro-optical sensors
- Why Chandipur is Important:
- Clear over-sea launch corridor
- Advanced tracking and telemetry infrastructure
- One of India’s primary missile testing facilities
Significance of Pralay
- First conventional quasi-ballistic missile in its class for India
- Enhances precision-strike capability without crossing nuclear thresholds
- Bridges the gap between:
- Tactical missiles and longer-range ballistic systems
- Reflects India’s growing capability in:
- Advanced missile guidance
- Indigenous defence manufacturing