Why in news?
India recently conducted a successful salvo launch of two Pralay missiles off the Odisha coast, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities.​
Key Features of Pralay Missile
- Type: India’s indigenously developed, Short-range, surface-to-surface, quasi-ballistic missile
- Range: 150–500 km (effective for tactical battlefield use)
- Payload Capacity: 500–1,000 kg
- Warheads: Can carry conventional high-explosive, penetration, or cluster warheads
- Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor
- Guidance System: Advanced navigation and guidance for high precision
- Launch Platform: Road-mobile launcher, enabling rapid deployment
Sources:
Strategic Importance
- Tactical Battlefield Role: Designed to neutralize high-value targets such as enemy airbases, command centers, and logistics hubs.
- Survivability: Its quasi-ballistic trajectory makes it harder to intercept compared to traditional ballistic missiles.
- Indigenous Capability: Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense technology.
- Complementary System: Fills the gap between long-range ballistic missiles and shorter-range artillery rockets like Pinaka.
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