- The Defence Ministry has approved the purchase of a regiment of ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles for deployment along the Lines of Actual Control (LAC) and Control (LoC).
- It will be the first time that a ballistic missile will be used in 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 began in 2015, with major progress made during General Bipin Rawat’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff. |
Strategic importance
- Longest Range: The ‘Pralay’ surface-to-surface missile will be the Army’s longest-range surface-to-surface missile.
- Strategic Role: ‘Pralay,’ together with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will be key to India’s proposed Rocket Force, bolstering the country’s strategic position.
- Imperative: China and Pakistan have already deployed tactical ballistic missiles, compelling India to purchase ‘Pralay’ missiles.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-ministry-clears-proposal-buy-pralay-ballistic-missiles-indian-army-2436936-2023-09-17#:~:text=The%20Defence%20Ministry%20has%20cleared,according%20to%20senior%20defence%20officials.