India has tested a new surface to surface missile Pralay with a 150 to 500 km range. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of Pralay from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on December 22.
“The mission has met all its objectives. The new Missile followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory and reached the designated target with high accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms. All the sub-systems performed satisfactorily. All the sensors deployed near the impact point across the eastern coast, including the downrange ships, tracked the missile trajectory and captured all the events,” said the official release.
Unlike Prithvi SRBM powered by a liquid engine, Pralay is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor and many new technologies. Pralay can be launched from a mobile launcher. The missile guidance system includes a state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics.
As per DRDO, Pralay’s munitions include Pre-fragmented and Penetration-cum-blast and carry a payload of about 1000 kgs.
Pralay is meant for replacing Prithvi SRBM’s.
Pralay Missile and Agni P missile are fast track projects for the infantry but are behind the schedule.