Salvo launch of Pralay missile conducted as part of user trials

Pralay missile being test launched on Wednesday. It is an indigenously developed weapon system that has state-of-the-art navigation system, ensuring high precision. (Credit: PIB)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday conducted a salvo launch of two quasi-ballistic missiles, Pralay, off the coast of Odisha as part of user evaluation trials. Three Pune-based DRDO facilities played a key role in the development of the tactical weapons system.

Both missiles followed the intended trajectory and met all flight objectives, as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The terminal events were confirmed by telemetry systems installed onboard a ship deployed near the impact points, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against a variety of targets. The maiden test of Pralay — which means widespread destruction — was conducted in December 2021. The missile is slated to be armed with a conventional warhead and inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Earlier in July this year, two tests of the missile were conducted over two days as part of user evaluation trials. After the completion of these trials, the missile will be ready for induction.

Ballistic missiles utilise projectile motion to deliver warheads. During their arched trajectory, they are powered during the initial phase of flight and later follow a gravity-driven path. Quasi-ballistic missiles, however, have a lower trajectory and, while broadly following a ballistic path, are capable of manoeuvring and changing course during flight if required.

The system has been developed by Hyderabad-based DRDO facility Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with several other laboratories, including three Pune-based units — Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE]. Other participating facilities include Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), along with industry partners Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited and several other industries and MSMEs.

For the tests, the systems were integrated by two Development-cum-Production Partners. The launches were witnessed by senior DRDO scientists, representatives of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, and industry representatives, including the Development-cum-Production Partners.

“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh 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,” the MoD statement said.

“DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat 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,” it added.