Why in the news?

Recently, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight-tests of the Pralay missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha.

Pralay Missile is India’s first indigenous short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile, designed for battlefield use. Its recent test flights have put it in the spotlight. DRDO successfully conducted back-to-back tests of Pralay on July 28–29, 2025 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island (Odisha). These tests validated the Pralay missile’s range, and both launches precisely hit their targets. With a range of 150–500 km and advanced guidance, Pralay can carry 500–1000 kg of conventional warheads to strike high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy. This bolsters India’s tactical deterrence and represents a key step toward self-reliance in missile technology.

Pralay missile in a launch test (concept illustration).

• DRDO conducted two successful flight-tests (28–29 July 2025) of the Pralay missile Dr. Abdul Kalam Island.

• The trials were User Evaluation Trials validating the missile’s maximum and minimum range capabilities.

• Each missile followed the intended trajectory and hit the target with pinpoint accuracy, meeting all test objectives.

• Data from ITR tracking sensors (land and ship-based) confirmed that all subsystems performed as expected.

• These successful tests pave the way for full-scale production and induction of Pralay into India’s armed forces.

In summary, Pralay’s back-to-back tests have drawn attention due to its game-changing capabilities. Its short-range, quasi-ballistic profile and precision strike make it a potent non-nuclear option for India’s military. The successful trials demonstrated that this indigenously developed missile is ready for integration into operations. The missile’s performance has been praised by India’s Defence Minister and DRDO leadership, noting that Pralay will significantly boost India’s precision-strike arsenal and deterrence.