SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army, having already placed initial orders for the indigenously developed Pralay tactical ballistic missile, is now planning to procure additional units to strengthen its strategic capabilities. This decision comes in response to escalating regional tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan, prompting a heightened focus on enhancing the Army’s precision strike capabilities to neutralize critical enemy infrastructure, including command centers and key military installations.
The Pralay missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a quasi-ballistic missile with a range of 150-400 kilometers and a payload capacity of up to 800 kilograms. Its ability to follow a low-altitude, non-linear trajectory makes it difficult to intercept, offering a significant tactical advantage. The missile’s precision and rapid deployment capabilities make it ideal for targeting high-value assets such as enemy headquarters, communication hubs, and logistical nodes in a conflict scenario.
The missile’s development, sanctioned in 2015 with a budget of ?332.88 crore, integrates technologies from the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) and Prahaar missile programs. It features a solid-propellant rocket motor, a cutting-edge navigation system, and a fused silica radome for precise targeting. The Pralay’s twin-launcher system, mounted on an indigenous Ashok Leyland 12×12 high-mobility vehicle, was showcased at India’s Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2025, signaling its readiness for operational deployment. The Indian Army and Air Force had already placed orders for 120 and 250 units, respectively, by September 2024, with user trials and formal induction expected soon.
The Pralay fills a critical gap in India’s arsenal, offering a conventionally armed ballistic missile that can be used flexibly in tactical roles without violating the country’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy. Unlike the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which excels in agility and stealth, the Pralay’s speed and quasi-ballistic trajectory make it a formidable option for rapid, high-impact strikes.
The Indian Army’s renewed emphasis on the Pralay missile aligns with its broader strategy to modernize its arsenal and enhance deterrence along its volatile borders. Tensions with China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, have underscored the need for advanced weaponry capable of delivering swift and decisive strikes. Similarly, ongoing challenges along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan have reinforced the Army’s focus on bolstering its offensive capabilities.
Sources within the defense establishment indicate that the Army’s initial order for Pralay missiles has been followed by discussions for a larger procurement to ensure operational readiness. The missile’s integration into the Army’s artillery divisions is expected to enhance its ability to conduct deep-strike operations, providing a credible counter to adversarial military infrastructure.
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