India Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch Test of Indigenous Pralay Missiles
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| India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation conducts a successful salvo launch test of the indigenous Pralay missile during user evaluation trials. |
New Delhi | December 31, 2025
India on Wednesday successfully conducted the salvo launch of two
indigenously developed Pralay missiles, marking a significant
milestone in the country’s tactical missile development programme. The test,
carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Odisha coast,
demonstrated the missile system’s precision, reliability, and rapid-fire
capability under operational conditions.
According to officials familiar with the trial, both missiles were launched in
quick succession from the same mobile launcher, followed their
predetermined trajectories, and accurately met all mission objectives. The test
forms part of user evaluation trials, a crucial stage before
large-scale induction into the armed forces.
The successful salvo launch further strengthens India’s conventional strike
capabilities and reflects continued progress in indigenous defence technology
under the country’s long-term military modernisation efforts.
Salvo Launch Demonstrates System Reliability
A salvo launch refers to the firing of multiple missiles in rapid
succession, often from a single platform, to assess the robustness of the
launcher, command systems, guidance accuracy, and overall integration of the
weapon system.
Defence officials said the Pralay missiles performed as expected, with radar
stations, telemetry systems, and electro-optical tracking equipment
deployed along the flight path confirming precise performance. Ships stationed
near the designated impact zones also monitored terminal parameters.
The test validated not only the missile’s flight characteristics but also its
operational readiness in time-sensitive scenarios, an
important factor in modern battlefield environments.
About the Pralay Missile
The Pralay missile is a solid-propellant,
quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile developed by DRDO to meet
the Indian Armed Forces’ requirement for a high-precision conventional
strike weapon.
Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, Pralay follows a quasi-ballistic
trajectory, allowing it to manoeuvre during flight. This capability
enhances survivability against missile defence systems and improves accuracy
against high-value targets.
Key Features
·
Range: Approximately 150
to 500 kilometres
·
Propulsion: Solid fuel rocket
motor
·
Guidance: Advanced inertial
navigation system with terminal guidance
·
Accuracy: Designed for high
precision
·
Warhead Options: Multiple
conventional payloads, including high-explosive and penetration warheads
·
Launch Platform: Road-mobile
transporter-erector-launcher (TEL)
The missile is intended to provide India with a tactical,
non-nuclear strike option, bridging the gap between long-range
ballistic missiles and shorter-range battlefield weapons.
Development and Testing Background
The Pralay missile programme was approved in the mid-2010s as part of
India’s effort to enhance conventional deterrence using
indigenous systems. Development has been led by DRDO laboratories, with support
from defence public sector units and private industry partners.
Since its first test, Pralay has undergone multiple flight trials to
validate:
·
Range envelopes
·
Accuracy across different trajectories
·
Guidance and control systems
·
Launcher mobility and response time
Earlier tests focused on individual missile performance, while the latest
salvo launch represents a step forward in evaluating operational
employment scenarios.
Defence experts note that such trials are essential to ensure the system
performs reliably under conditions that closely resemble real-world deployment.
Strategic Significance
While Indian authorities have not linked the test to any specific country,
analysts say the successful demonstration of a tactical missile with salvo
capability carries broader strategic relevance in the regional security
environment.
Enhancing Conventional Deterrence
India’s defence posture emphasizes maintaining credible deterrence while
avoiding escalation. Systems like Pralay are designed to:
·
Provide precision strike capability
against strategic military targets
·
Offer flexibility below the nuclear
threshold
·
Improve response options during crises
The ability to launch multiple missiles in quick succession increases
operational effectiveness by allowing forces to engage several targets or
overwhelm defensive systems if required.
Regional Context
China
Along the northern borders, evolving military infrastructure and missile
deployments have shaped India’s focus on improving its own tactical and
theatre-level strike capabilities. Pralay is often compared to similar
short-range, quasi-ballistic missile systems fielded by other major powers.
Pakistan
On the western front, the presence of short-range missile systems has
influenced India’s requirement for a rapid, precise, and conventional response
capability. Pralay adds depth to India’s missile inventory without altering its
declared nuclear doctrine.
Analysts stress that such tests are part of routine capability
development and do not signal immediate operational intent.
Government and DRDO Response
Following the successful test, senior defence officials congratulated the
teams involved. The Defence Minister praised DRDO scientists, armed forces
personnel, and industry partners for their contribution, stating that the
achievement reflects India’s growing expertise in advanced missile
technologies.
The DRDO leadership highlighted that the test reaffirms the reliability of
the missile system and brings it closer to operational deployment. Officials
also emphasized the role of indigenous manufacturing and system integration in
achieving the milestone.
Role in India’s Defence Modernisation
The Pralay missile aligns with India’s broader objectives of:
·
Defence self-reliance
·
Reducing dependence on imported weapon systems
·
Building advanced indigenous strike capabilities
India has increasingly focused on developing a layered missile ecosystem,
ranging from short-range tactical systems to long-range strategic deterrents.
Pralay occupies a critical position in this structure by providing precision
conventional firepower at the theatre level.
Future Outlook
With the salvo launch successfully completed, the Pralay missile is expected
to undergo:
·
Additional user evaluation trials
·
Integration exercises with operational units
·
Final validation before induction into service
Defence analysts believe future upgrades could include:
·
Enhanced guidance accuracy
·
Improved counter-measure resistance
·
Potential range or payload optimisations
However, officials maintain that any future developments will follow
established testing and evaluation protocols.
Conclusion
The successful salvo launch of two Pralay missiles represents a significant
achievement for India’s missile development programme. By validating rapid-fire
capability, accuracy, and system integration, the test demonstrates the growing
maturity of indigenous defence technologies.
While firmly positioned as a defensive and evaluative exercise, the trial
strengthens India’s conventional deterrence framework and enhances operational
readiness in an evolving security environment.
As India continues to modernise its armed forces, systems like Pralay are
expected to play an increasingly important role in ensuring preparedness,
flexibility, and strategic stability.
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