Science & TechnologyImportant2025-07-28

DRDO Tests Quasi-Ballistic Missile Pralay

In News

What Happened

On July 28 and 29, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive user flight tests of the 'Pralay' missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant, surface-to-surface short-range tactical missile. The tests successfully validated its maneuverability, precision guidance, and full operational range spectrum under real conditions.

Why It Matters

Pralay significantly strengthens India's non-nuclear deterrence and tactical strike capabilities with a range of 150-500 km. Its quasi-ballistic trajectory and mid-air maneuverability make it exceptionally difficult for modern anti-missile defense systems to intercept, adding critical firepower to the proposed Integrated Rocket Force.

Background

History & Context

The Pralay missile project was initiated to fulfill the Indian Armed Forces' requirement for a conventional tactical ballistic missile that is not constrained by India's nuclear no-first-use doctrine. Designed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, its developmental trials began in December 2021. The recent user trials in July 2025 served as the final validation step before mass production and formal induction into the military arsenal.

What Changed

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BEFORE: India relied on traditional ballistic missiles that followed predictable parabolic trajectories, making them vulnerable to advanced air defense networks. NOW: Pralay follows a quasi-ballistic, low-altitude trajectory with mid-course and terminal maneuverability, effectively evading enemy interception.
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BEFORE: Earlier tactical systems often required longer preparation times and complex logistics for deployment. NOW: Pralay is a solid-fueled, canisterised system, which significantly reduces launch preparation time and increases road-mobile battlefield flexibility.
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BEFORE: India lacked a dedicated, high-speed conventional deterrent in the specific 150-500 km range band. NOW: The successful validation of Pralay fills this tactical gap, providing a foundational asset for India's upcoming Integrated Rocket Force (IRF) for precision conventional strikes.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

The principles behind the missile's propulsion and guidance connect to 'Laws of Motion' and 'System of Particles and Rotational Motion' in Class 11 Physics NCERT. The solid propellant engines use the principle of conservation of momentum for thrust, while the advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS) relies on rotational dynamics and gyroscopic principles to maintain precise flight path alignment.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

With reference to the 'Pralay' missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is a long-range strategic nuclear ballistic missile with a range exceeding 5,000 km. 2. It follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory and is capable of mid-air maneuvers to evade interceptors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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