• UGI USER
  • Dec 29, 2022
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Pralay — India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, a step towards own rocket force

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Defense has acquired the indigenous Short-Range Ballistic Surface-to-Surface (SRBM) Missile Pralay, bolstering the Indian military’s ability to wage war.

What is Pralay?

  • About:
    • The first conventional quasi-ballistic missile developed by India, Pralay, is a deterrent against any conventional missile strike from the country’s northern or western frontiers.
    • A quasi-ballistic missile can maneuver in flight while mostly being ballistic and has a low trajectory.
    • Initially propelled by a rocket or succession of rockets in stages, ballistic missiles then follow an unpowered trajectory that curves higher before falling to rapidly strike their targeted target.
    • The missile was created in such a way that it can destroy interceptor missiles and can alter its course mid-flight after traveling a particular distance.
  • Features:
    • It is propelled by a rocket motor using solid propellant and other unique technology.
    • Modern avionics are integrated with the missile guiding system’s navigation system.
    • It is comparable to the Russian Iskander missile that has been utilised in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine as well as China’s Dong Feng 12 missile.
    • With the ability to transport a conventional warhead weighing between 350 and 700 kg, it has lethal punishment potential.
    • It is capable of transporting runaway denial penetration submunitions, PCBs, and high explosive prepared fragmentation warheads (RDPS).
  • Range:
    • The missile may be launched from a mobile launcher and has a range of 150–500 kilometres.
    • Pralay will be the Army’s surface-to-surface missile with the greatest range.
    • The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with a claimed range of about 290 kilometres, is another weapon in the Army’s inventory.
  • Significance:
    • It is India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, and it will enable the armed forces to attack strategic assets and enemy locations in actual war zones.
    • The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Pralay will make up the core of India’s proposed Rocket Force.
    • India will have two long-range conventional missiles, which will totally alter the tactical warfare dynamics.
    • This one will be the ballistic option, whereas the BrahMos will be a cruise option.