Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted two consecutive flight tests of the Pralay missiles from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
The missile followed a desired quasi-ballistic trajectory, demonstrated mid-air manoeuvres, and struck its designated target with hit-to-kill accuracy and pin-point precision.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Pralay Missile System.
Pralay Missile System
- Pralay is a short-range surface-to-surface missile developed for tactical battlefield use.
- The missile system is designed to meet the specific operational needs of the Indian Army and incorporates several indigenous technologies.
Key features of Pralay Missile:
- Propulsion system: Two-stage solid-propellant rocket motor with Manoeuvrable Re-entry Vehicle (MaRV) technology in the terminal stage.
- Speed: Capable of reaching speeds between Mach 1 and Mach 1.6.
- Range: Operational strike range of 150-500 kilometres.
- Weight: Approximately five tonnes.
- Flight trajectory: Quasi-ballistic and low-altitude trajectory, allowing it to evade early detection.
- Guidance: Equipped with an inertial navigation system and integrated avionics for high-precision targeting and real-time trajectory correction.
- Launch platform: Can be fired from an 8x8 BEML Tatra Transporter Erector Launcher, providing mobility and rapid deployment capability.
- Defence penetration: The missile can manoeuvre mid-flight, oscillate during travel, and alter its trajectory to evade enemy interception systems.
- Survivability and effectiveness: Designed to resist interception, deliver precision strikes on short- and medium-range targets, and enhance battlefield readiness.
Significance
The MoD has already cleared orders for Pralay missiles for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The missile fills the gap of a conventionally armed ballistic weapon system and remains unaffected by the 'no first use' nuclear policy.
- Flexible and precise strike option that can be deployed rapidly in response to evolving threats. Deployed with conventional warheads along the borders, the missile can target radar and communication installations, command and control centres, and advanced airfields.
- Enhances India’s tactical deterrence capabilities, strengthens India's strategic posture and promotes greater self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
The successful completion of the phase-1 flight tests marks a crucial step toward the missile’s eventual induction into the Armed Forces.