India Test-Fires ‘Pralay’ Tactical Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired its “Pralay” short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile on November 7.
Held on Abdul Kalam Island, the trial was part of the DRDO’s goal of meeting defense requirements for the country’s conflict-ridden borders with China and Pakistan.
According to defense officials, tracking instruments monitored the weapon’s trajectory and confirmed that it achieved all of its mission objectives.
A report by Indian-based EurAsian Times clarified that the launch was only a developmental trial with limited objectives and not an actual operational test.
About the Pralay
The Pralay ballistic missile has a 1,000-kilogram (2,204-pound) payload and can strike targets at up to 500 kilometers (311 miles).
It can be compared with Russia’s Iskander missile, credited for neutralizing various Ukrainian assets.
The Indian-made weapon can also reportedly perform evasive maneuvers in the terminal phase of flight, thanks to its jet vane system for thrust vector control.
It is still unclear if the Pralay can also release decoys like the Russian missile.
In September, the Indian government approved the acquisition of the weapon for the Indian Army.
