Pralay Missile

Context: Two consecutive test flights of Pralay missile conducted by DRDO on July 28 and 29, 2025, from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

Pralay Missile: Pralay means ‘Apocalypse’ in Sanskrit

• Type: Solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile, Canisterised, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

• Warhead Capability: Can carry multiple types of warheads.

• Navigation: Equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems.

• Target Flexibility: Designed to neutralize a wide range of strategic targets.

• Amalgamation of:

• Prithvi Defence Vehicle (exo-atmospheric interceptor tech).

• Prahaar Tactical Missile (mobile battlefield missile tech).

• Part of India’s proposed Integrated Rocket Force (IRF).

• Will complement systems like:

• Nirbhay (subsonic cruise missile),

• BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile),

• Pinaka (multi-barrel rocket launcher system).

• Powered by a solid fuel rocket motor, the missile reportedly flies a quasi-ballistic trajectory in hypersonic speed, with the ability to perform terminal maneuvers to hinder anti-ballistic missile interceptors.
• Pralay uses the same composite propellant developed by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory for Sagarika from K Missile family. The composite propellant is highly efficient and generates more energy compared to propellant used in Agni missile series.
• Pralay carries 350-700 kg and 500-1,000 kg high explosive preformed fragmentation warhead, Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) and Runway Denial Penetration Submunition (RDPS) at a range of 150 km to 500 km. 
• Pralay is designed to target radar and communication installations, command and control centers and advance airfields using conventional warhead.
• Pralay, Nirbhay, BrahMos and Pinaka will become part of the Integrated Rocket Force, a separate entity from the Strategic Forces Command.