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DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM ISLAND, ODISHA – In a significant leap for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the initial phase of User Evaluation Trials for the ‘Pralay’ quasi-ballistic missile system. The two-day series of flight tests, conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, saw the missile system validate both its minimum and maximum range capabilities, paving the way for its eventual induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the trials, held on Monday and Tuesday, were meticulously executed in close collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces. During both tests, the ‘Pralay’ missile, a solid propellant-driven, surface-to-surface weapon system, adhered flawlessly to its predetermined flight path. The missile’s precision was on full display as it successfully engaged and destroyed the designated targets, meeting all mission objectives with pinpoint accuracy.
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The successful trials underscore a new strategic dimension for India’s military doctrine. The ‘Pralay’ system, with its quasi-ballistic trajectory, offers a distinct advantage over conventional ballistic missiles. Its ability to maneuver in flight after launch makes it extremely difficult for enemy air defence systems to intercept.
This maneuverability, coupled with its ability to carry a diverse range of warheads, allows for a more flexible and potent response to a variety of threats. The system can be configured to target command and control centers, airfields, or even critical infrastructure, providing a strategic edge in a conflict scenario.
All onboard subsystems, including its navigation and guidance systems, performed as expected. A comprehensive network of tracking sensors, radar stations, and telemetry instruments, including a ship strategically positioned near the impact zone, meticulously recorded every aspect of the missile’s flight. This wealth of data will now be analyzed to fine-tune the system and prepare it for the next phase of its trials.
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The development of the ‘Pralay’ missile is a testament to the collaborative spirit of India's defence ecosystem. Several DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), worked in tandem with leading industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This partnership also extended to numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which contributed significantly to the supply chain and manufacturing process.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful trials, highlighting that the ‘Pralay’ missile system, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, will significantly bolster the nation’s defence capabilities and act as a strong deterrent.
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, congratulated the teams involved, stating that the successful completion of these phase-1 flight tests marks a crucial step toward the missile’s eventual induction into the Armed Forces. He also emphasized that the system's modular design and indigenous development would ensure a high degree of self-reliance and operational readiness for the Indian military.
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The successful testing of ‘Pralay’ marks a pivotal moment in India's journey toward becoming a regional power capable of shaping the strategic landscape. Its unique capabilities provide a powerful and versatile tool for asymmetric warfare, giving the Indian Armed Forces a decisive advantage in the evolving complexities of modern conflict.