India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The test, performed at approximately 10:30 AM, was part of user evaluation trials, paving the way for the missile's induction into the armed forces.
The Pralay missile is a short-range, surface-to-surface, quasi-ballistic missile with a range of 150 to 500 kilometers and a payload capacity of 500 to 1,000 kg. It is an indigenously developed weapon system, equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance systems to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple conventional warheads and striking various targets. The Pralay missile uses a solid propellant and features advanced technologies derived from the Prahaar tactical missile and the Prithvi Defence Vehicle exoatmospheric interceptor.
According to the Defence Ministry, both missiles followed their intended trajectories and met all flight objectives, which was confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. Telemetry systems on ships positioned near the designated impact points validated terminal events. The tests were witnessed by senior DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and industry partners involved in the missile's development and production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, defence public sector undertakings, and the industry for the successful launch, noting that it has established the reliability of the Pralay missile system. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, also congratulated the teams involved and stated that the achievement indicates the system's imminent readiness for induction into the armed forces.
The Pralay missile was developed by the DRDO's Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, the development-cum-production partners, integrated the systems for the tests, with support from Indian industries.
The Pralay project was sanctioned in March 2015. The missile is expected to be deployed with conventional warheads for tactical roles along the Line of Actual Control and Line of Control. The successful salvo launch of the Pralay missile marks a significant milestone in India's defense capabilities, reinforcing the country's commitment to developing indigenous weapon systems.
