DRDO successfully test-fires next-gen surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’

New Delhi: In a move that will significantly scale up the air defence capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Research and Developed Organisation (DRDO) has successfully concluded the maiden launch of indigenously developed next-generation surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay' on Wednesday from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odhisa.

"The mission has met all its objectives. The new missile followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms", the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement issued Wednesday.

"The missile is based on the Prithvi Defence Vehicle, developed as part of the ambitious Indian ballistic missile program and can carry a payload of up to 1000 kg and can change path mid-air to hit targets"

"All the sub-systems performed satisfactorily. All the sensors deployed near the impact point across the eastern coast, including the downrange ships, tracked the missile trajectory and captured all events", the statement further added.

"The missile that can be launched from a mobile launcher is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor and has a range of 150-500 kilometres", it elaborated.

Speaking to DefenceWatch, a source privy to the developments, said, "The missile is based on the Prithvi Defence Vehicle, developed as part of the ambitious Indian ballistic missile program and can carry a payload of up to 1000 kg and can change path mid-air to hit targets".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO and all stakeholders associated with 'Pralay' for the successful launch and praised the team for fast-tracking the development of the missile.

Appreciating the efforts of the team, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, said, "This is a new generation surface-to-surface missile equipped with modern technologies and induction of this weapon system will give the necessary impetus to the Armed Forces".

The development of indigenous 'Pralay' is in relation to India's efforts for attaining 'Atmanirbharta' in defence production, emerging as a hub for defence exports in the region and enforcing its policy of 'credible minimum deterrence'.

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