Central Idea
- The Defense Ministry has granted approval for the acquisition of a regiment of ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles, earmarked for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC).
- It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations.
Pralay Missile: Key Features
| Strike Range | 150 to 500 kilometers |
| Payload Capacity | 350 kg to 700 kg conventional warhead |
| Warhead Variability | High explosive preformed fragmentation warheads, penetration-cum-blast (PCB) warheads, runaway denial penetration submunitions (RDPS) |
| Classification | Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile |
| Maneuverability | Mid-flight trajectory alteration capability |
| Propulsion | Solid propellant rocket motor with advanced guidance systems |
| Global Comparisons | Comparable to China’s Dong Feng 12 and Russia’s Iskander missile |
| Development History | Development was initiated around 2015, with significant progress during the tenure of General Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff |
Strategic significance
- Longest Range: ‘Pralay’ will emerge as the longest-range surface-to-surface missile within the Army’s inventory.
- Strategic Role: ‘Pralay,’ in conjunction with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will play a central role in India’s planned Rocket Force, augmenting the nation’s strategic posture.
- Imperative: China and Pakistan have already deployed ballistic missiles for tactical purposes, prompting India’s acquisition of ‘Pralay’ missiles.
