India’s DRDO successfully test-fires two Pralay missiles in salvo launch

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully conducted a rapid salvo test of two indigenously developed Pralay short-range surface-to-surface missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, marking a significant step towards the system’s induction into the armed forces.

Both solid-fuel missiles were launched at around 10.30 am from the same mobile launcher in quick succession as part of user evaluation trials. Range tracking instruments and ship-based telemetry confirmed that the missiles followed their intended trajectories and hit their designated targets with high precision, meeting all mission objectives, officials said.

The Pralay missile has a strike range of 150 km to 500 km and is capable of carrying a 350–700 kg conventional warhead . Equipped with advanced guidance and manoeuvrability features, the missile can alter its flight path to evade enemy air defence systems, enhancing its survivability in combat conditions. Designed for rapid deployment, Pralay fills a critical gap between long-range strategic missiles and shorter-range rocket artillery systems.

The rapid salvo launch was a key highlight of the test, as it demonstrated the system’s ability to fire multiple missiles within a short time frame from the same launcher. This capability is crucial for overwhelming adversary air defences and executing swift, high-precision conventional strikes against high-value targets such as command centres, air bases and logistics hubs.

The trials were observed and validated by senior officials from DRDO, along with representatives of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force , reflecting growing user confidence in the missile system. Officials from production partner Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) were also present during the test, indicating the programme’s transition from development to production readiness.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces and industry partners on the successful trials, stating that the results reaffirm the reliability and operational potential of the missile. DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat said the test was part of a series of successful evaluations conducted over the past year and marked another important milestone towards the missile’s frontline deployment.

Following the user evaluation trials, the missile system will undergo final operational clearance by the armed forces. This will be followed by limited-series production, incorporation of user feedback where required, and phased induction into frontline units. Once deployed, Pralay is expected to significantly strengthen India’s conventional deterrence posture and support the country’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.