Successful Two-fold Testing of India's Pralay Missile Affirms 500km Range and 700kg Payload Capacity
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The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a significant stride in its missile development programme with the successful testing of the short-range ballistic missile, 'Pralay'. The tests, conducted on July 28 and 29, 2025, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, marked a significant milestone in India's security and its commitment to indigenous technology progress.
The 'Pralay' missile, also known as 'Doom' or 'Annihilation', is an indigenously developed short-range ballistic missile designed for battlefield use. It boasts a range of 150 km (with maximum payload) to 500 km (with reduced payload), and a payload capacity ranging from 350 kg to 1,000 kg, depending on the mission profile.
Equipped with advanced technology, the 'Pralay' missile is a solid-fuel, canisterized quasi-ballistic missile. It is armed with a terminal maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) to evade missile defenses and boasts a circular error probable (CEP) under 10 meters, aiming to reduce further below 4 meters. The missile's terminal speed reaches Mach 6.1, enabling high mobility against interception attempts by performing mid-course and terminal maneuvers.
Designed for high precision strikes against vital enemy installations such as radar installations, communication hubs, command and control centers, and airfields, the 'Pralay' missile's mobility arises from its solid-fuel propulsion and canister launch system, enabling rapid autonomous deployment integrated with the Indian Army and Air Force command structures.
Upon induction, the 'Pralay' missile will supplement current systems such as the BrahMos missile to augment India's overall strike capabilities. The missile acts as a deterrent for potential aggressors and provides a mechanism for controlling encounters in short-range combat areas.
While the induction of the 'Pralay' missile could potentially raise local tensions, DRDO is considering ways to further extend its range and even export it globally, strengthening India's defense diplomacy. The 'Pralay' missile is optimized for quick deployment in critical border regions with a twin-launcher system mounted on a high-mobility vehicle.
The successful tests of the 'Pralay' missile give India a strategic advantage over surrounding nations, particularly considering the delicate condition of the LAC and LoC. The 'Pralay' missile, when inducted, will equip the Indian Army and Air Force with a solid conventional weapon that can de-escalate tensions at the borders without escalating to nuclear threats.
These successful test launches reflect DRDO's commitment to indigenous technology progress and India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) drive. As India prepares for the induction of the 'Pralay' missile into its armed forces, it continues to assert its position as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.
References: [1] Indian Defence News [2] The Hindu [3] Business Standard [4] Times of India
The 'Pralay' missile, with its advanced technology, will not only supplement current systems but also potentially extend its range, marking a possible leap in sports such as missile races. As India strengthens its defense diplomacy by considering global export, the fusion of technology and sports could be a promising avenue for future exploration.
"Pralay", a solid-fuel, high-mobility missile designed for precision strikes, shares similarities with sports that require precision, strategy, and speed, such as sports like archery or golf, where accuracy and quick deployment can lead to victory.
