The purchase of a regiment of Pralay ballistic missiles, intended for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC), has been approved by the Defense Ministry. A ballistic missile will be introduced to the services for conventional operations for the first time.
Pralay Missile: Key Features
| Strike Range | 150 to 500 kilometers |
| Payload Capacity | 150 to 500 kilometres |
| 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 become the Army’s surface-to-surface missile with the greatest range.
- Strategic Role: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and “Pralay” will play key roles in India’s proposed rocket force, enhancing the country’s strategic stance.
- Imperative: Ballistic missiles have already been deployed by China and Pakistan for tactical objectives, leading India to purchase “Pralay” missiles.
