Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 29: India’s cutting-edge tactical missile system, Pralay, has completed a crucial milestone with back-to-back successful flight trials in Odisha, showcasing its full-range operational capability. Conducted over two days by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the tests confirmed both the minimum and maximum range performance of the indigenous missile.
The User Evaluation Trials were carried out on Monday and Tuesday from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. According to officials, the solid-fuelled, quasi-ballistic missile executed its flight paths with exceptional precision, striking targets with high accuracy and meeting all mission objectives.
"All onboard systems functioned flawlessly," the Defence Ministry stated, noting that real-time tracking and telemetry data were gathered using a network of ground-based sensors and a naval ship stationed near the impact zone.
The Pralay missile, developed with next-gen guidance and navigation technology, is capable of delivering a variety of warheads against diverse targets, enhancing India’s strike capabilities in tactical scenarios.
The development is spearheaded by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat in coordination with several key DRDO establishments including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and others. The program also involves significant contributions from public sector partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, as well as numerous private industries and MSMEs.
The tests were observed by top DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Army and Air Force — the intended users of the system — along with industry stakeholders.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO and Armed Forces, stating that the missile's success signifies a “technological leap” in India’s defensive preparedness. He emphasized that the system would greatly strengthen the nation’s strategic deterrence.
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, congratulated the teams, highlighting that this phase of testing clears the path for Pralay’s formal induction into the Armed Forces in the near future.