India Successfully Conducts User Trial of Indigenous Pralay Missile, Strengthening Battlefield Strike Capability

DRDO Validates Pralay Missile Through Salvo Launch, Boosting India’s Conventional Deterrence

India has taken a significant step in strengthening its battlefield missile capability with the successful user trial of the indigenous Pralay missile . The trial, conducted on December 31, 2025 , validated the system’s operational readiness and underscored India’s growing self-reliance in advanced missile technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Successful Salvo Launch and Trial Objectives

The user trial was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. In a key operational demonstration, two Pralay missiles were fired in salvo mode from the same launcher in quick succession. Both missiles precisely struck their designated targets. Officials confirmed that accuracy, reliability, and system robustness were validated, with real-time tracking and telemetry data from the Bay of Bengal independently confirming mission success.

Key Technical Features of the Pralay Missile

Pralay is a surface-to-surface, solid-fuel, quasi-ballistic missile with a strike range of 150 km to 500 km , depending on payload configuration. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, it follows a depressed and manoeuvrable trajectory , reducing vulnerability to enemy air defence systems. The missile is equipped with a ring-laser gyro-based navigation system and advanced terminal guidance, enabling a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 metres , making it suitable for high-precision conventional strikes.

Comparison With Global Tactical Missiles

With speeds exceeding Mach 6 , Pralay is faster than the BrahMos cruise missile and comparable to systems such as Russia’s Iskander-M and China’s DF-12. Analysts highlight its higher payload flexibility, manoeuvrability, and precision as giving India a credible option against time-sensitive and high-value battlefield targets.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pralay is a quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile with a 150–500 km range

• Developed by DRDO laboratories led by Research Centre Imarat

• Quasi-ballistic missiles fly on lower, manoeuvrable trajectories

• Salvo launch capability allows multiple missiles from a single platform

Induction Prospects and Strategic Significance

Following the successful user trial, Pralay is now close to induction into the Indian Army. Indigenous industry participation, including canisterised launcher development, supports rapid deployment and scalable production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the achievement significantly enhances national preparedness and reinforces India’s conventional deterrence posture.