Exploring India's Pralay Missile: A Tactical Breakthrough

Pralay Missile: India’s Tactical Quasi‑Ballistic Strike Weapon

1. What is the Pralay missile and what makes it unique?

Pralay is India’s first indigenous tactical quasi‑ballistic missile developed by DRDO for rapid, precision strikes against high‑value targets such as air bases, missile sites, and radar installations. Its defining features are a depressed (low) trajectory and mid‑course manoeuvrability, which reduce detection time and complicate interception by missile‑defence systems.

2. What is the range and warhead capacity of Pralay?

Pralay has an operational strike range of roughly 150–500 kilometres. It can carry conventional warheads weighing between 350 kg and 1,000 kg, including fragmentation, penetration‑cum‑blast warheads, and runway‑denial submunitions tailored to different mission requirements.

3. How does Pralay evade missile‑defence systems?

Unlike traditional high‑arc ballistic missiles, Pralay flies at lower altitudes and can perform trajectory changes in the terminal phase. These capabilities shorten the detection‑to‑intercept window and create tracking challenges for enemy radars and interceptors, increasing the missile’s chance of mission success.

4. What technologies were used to develop Pralay?

Pralay integrates advances from India’s K‑series submarine‑launched missiles and the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme. It is canisterised for rapid launch and road‑mobile for concealment and survivability, enabling flexible deployment and quick reaction times.

5. Where is Pralay likely to be deployed?

Pralay is expected to be positioned along sensitive frontiers such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. These deployments allow for fast, tactical responses to emerging threats and escalation management in regional contingencies.

6. How many Pralay missiles is India planning to acquire?

The Indian Army has approved an initial induction of 120 Pralay missiles, with plans to expand holdings to around 370 missiles over time. This expansion underscores a strategic emphasis on enhancing conventional precision‑strike capabilities.

7. What is the significance of Pralay for India’s military doctrine?

Pralay is pivotal to the envisioned Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a proposed tri‑service command focused on conventional missile warfare. The system aims to strengthen India’s deterrence posture and operational parity with comparable regional missile forces.

8. Has any other country shown interest in Pralay?

Yes. Reports indicate interest from countries such as Armenia, reflecting Pralay’s potential export appeal and India’s growing role as an arms supplier in select international markets.