The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the user evaluation trials of this indigenous missile system. The flight tests, executed around 10:30 AM on December 31, 2025, utilized a land-based mobile launcher. Officials reported that both missiles adhered to the intended trajectory and achieved all flight objectives, validating their reliability and operational readiness.
The launches were meticulously monitored by sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, with terminal events confirmed through telemetry systems installed on ships stationed near the designated impact zones. This close monitoring ensures the integrity of the missile’s performance during critical phases of flight.
Pralay is a solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile developed indigenously, designed for high-precision conventional strike capabilities. It features advanced guidance and navigation systems that allow it to deliver various types of warheads with precision against a range of strategic and tactical targets.
The recent successful salvo launch highlights the missile’s ability to execute rapid successive strikes, an essential capability in modern warfare scenarios that demand swift responses and saturation attacks. This aspect of the missile system is pivotal for maintaining tactical advantages in potential conflict situations.
The development of the Pralay missile involved collaboration among multiple DRDO laboratories and efforts from Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad. Key contributors include the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Research and Development Establishment Engineers, and the Integrated Test Range. The system integration for the trials was managed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Senior DRDO scientists, as well as representatives from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, attended and witnessed the launches. The successful tests drew positive reactions from India’s leadership. Rajnath Singh, the Raksha Mantri, extended his congratulations to the DRDO and the various organizations involved, emphasizing that the launch confirms the Pralay missile system’s reliability. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, praised the teams for their efforts and noted that this success indicates the system’s readiness for impending induction into the Armed Forces.
The successful salvo launch enhances India’s conventional precision-strike capabilities and underlines the country’s advancing technological sophistication in missile systems. This achievement is not only a decisive step towards operational deployment of the missile but also reinforces India’s deterrence posture and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing, contributing to national security and self-reliance.
