India achieved a momentous advancement in its indigenous missile capability with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducting a consecutive ballistic launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha. The critical test established the precision, reliability, and operational readiness of the missile for the final induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
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Why This Test Is in the News-
On December 31, 2025, DRDO conducted a user evaluation trial that included a back-to-back launch of two Pralay missiles from a single launcher. Previous tests had employed two separate launchers; this salvo launch tested the system’s capability to fire in quick succession, an important battlefield requirement.
With this successful trial, Pralay was confirmed to be not only technologically advanced but also deployment-ready under real-world operational conditions.
Key Highlights of the Pralay Salvo Launch-
Two missiles have been launched one after another from the same launcher.
- Test area: Off the coast of Odisha
- Time of Launch: Almost 10:30 AM on December 31st, 2025
- Trial Category: User Evaluation Trial
- Performance: Both missiles travelled the course as expected.
- Outcome: All mission objectives were met.
All tracking sensors at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, and onboard telemetry systems have verified the missiles’ terminal accuracy and impact precision.
What Is a Salvo Launch and Why Does It Matter?
Multiple missiles can be fired at once by a single launcher in a salvo launch; this has various strategic merits:
- Overwhelming enemy air defence systems
- Maximising the effectiveness of strikes in the event of critical high-threat environments
- Allowing an almost instantaneous response during key combat events
- Minimising the exposure of the launcher on the battlefield
Thus, this much-needed capability to India has been offered through Pralay, which hence improves its tactical missile strike options significantly.
Technical Features of the Pralay Missile-
The Pralay is an exception as it is a quasi-ballistic missile that has characteristics found in only cruise missiles because quasi-ballistic, in fact, refers to the ability to move at a very high altitude.
Core Technical Specifications:
- Propulsion: Solid propellant
- Range: Approximately 150 km to 500 km
- Flight profile: Quasi-ballistic with mid-course manoeuvrability
- Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation system with precision targeting
- Accuracy: High precision against diverse targets
Advanced Capabilities:
- Loosely change course mid-flight while avoiding detection by enemy missile defence.
- Remains in the atmosphere as traditional ballistic missiles do.
- Precision attacks against high-value targets.
- Notional modern, net-centric warfighting environment.
Warhead Flexibility and Combat Versatility-
One of Pralay’s standout features is its ability to carry multiple types of warheads, enhancing its adaptability across missions.
Warhead Capabilities Include:
Normally used for high-explosive warheads, there are mission-specific payload configurations that can engage multiple target types. Such flexibility makes Pralay a good option for both tactical and strategic strike missions.
Indigenous Development and Industry Collaboration-
Pralay is a product of India’s growing defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Development Leadership:
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
- Supported by multiple DRDO laboratories
Industry Partners-
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) – Production and Integration:
The task of large-scale manufacture of the Pralay missile system is responsible for ensuring consistency, quality, and timely deliveries.
- Final assembly, system integration, and preparation of missiles for user trials and operational deployment are all handled by this entity.
- It provides a very critical link for operationally deploying, in the form of weapon systems, DRDO-designed systems to the Armed Forces.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – Systems and Electronics Support:
- Offers cutting-edge electronic systems comprising guidance, navigation, and control components fundamental to missile precision.
- Assists in the integration of onboard avionics, telemetry, and communication systems utilised during flight testing and operations.
- This guarantees that the electronic subsystems will be reliable in some of the harshest battlefield and environmental conditions.
Strategic Significance for India’s Defence Preparedness-
The successful salvo launch of Pralay carries major strategic implications.
Why This Test Is Crucial:
- Enhancing industry-usable reliability from the user conditions
- Firm up India’s indigenous missile deterrence
- Signal imminent induction into the Armed Forces
This test follows a series of recent missile accomplishments that reinforce India’s position as a pre-eminent missile technology power.
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Government and Defence Leadership Reactions-
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, defence PSUs, and industrial partners for the successful test. According to him, this success:
- Strengthens the national security of India
- Validates years of indigenous research and development
- Exhibits seamless coordination amongst scientists, users, and industry
DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat further stated that the success indicates the imminent induction of Pralay in operational service.
How Pralay Strengthens India’s Missile Arsenal-
Pralay fills a critical capability gap between short-range ballistic missiles and long-range strategic systems.
Key Contributions:
- Precision strike capability for conventional warfare
- Rapid deployment and launch readiness
- Survivability against advanced air defence systems
- Strengthened deterrence along sensitive borders
Its induction will significantly improve India’s tactical strike and counter-attack readiness.
Conclusion-
The launch of the Pralay missile in a successful series of multiple salvos marks a watershed moment in India’s defence modernisation journey. It indicates that DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the Indian industry have matured enough technologically, operationally, and in collaboration. With the induction of Pralay, India will be very much poised to deter, defend, and decisively respond in a responding security environment.