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New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) demonstrated its prowess by successfully testing the indigenously developed ‘Pralay’ missile. This was no ordinary test; it was a ‘salvo launch,’ which sent shockwaves through the enemy camp.
India achieved this feat on Wednesday, December 31, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 10:30 a.m. The DRDO fired two ‘Pralay’ missiles in quick succession from a single launcher. Both missiles followed their predetermined trajectories and successfully met all mission objectives.
In defense parlance, a ‘salvo launch’ means an attack with multiple weapons simultaneously or in very quick succession. In this test, the DRDO fired two missiles back-to-back from a single mobile launcher. In a war situation, this technology proves to be a game-changer.
When two or more missiles move towards the same or different targets simultaneously, it becomes impossible for the enemy’s air defense system to intercept them all at once. If the enemy tries to intercept one missile, the other missile will still hit its target. This ‘double attack’ by Pralay can destroy enemy bunkers, airbases, and strategic targets in the blink of an eye.
Quasi-Ballistic Missile: Pralay is a ‘quasi-ballistic’ missile. In simple terms, normal ballistic missiles travel on a fixed path (parabolic), which is easy for enemy radar to predict. But a quasi-ballistic missile like ‘Pralay’ is capable of changing its path during its flight. It can evade at the last moment and destroy the enemy. It is extremely difficult to intercept or shoot down in the air.
Solid Propellant: This missile uses solid propellant (solid fuel). Liquid-fueled missiles take time to refuel on the battlefield, but solid-fueled missiles are in ‘ready-to-fire’ mode. They can be launched in a very short time, which is crucial for offensive operations.
High Precision: The Pralay missile is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance systems. The sensors and computers installed in it help it hit the target with pinpoint accuracy. In the test conducted off the Odisha coast, tracking sensors and ships deployed near the impact point confirmed that the missiles hit their targets with absolute precision.
Capable of carrying various warheads: This missile can carry different types of warheads depending on the requirement. Whether the enemy’s target is a concrete bunker or an army deployed in an open field, ‘Pralay’ can destroy all types of targets.
Ready For Induction
The development of the missile is complete and now the armed forces are testing it to formally induct it into their arsenal. Representatives of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army witnessed this historic test, while DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat said that this success shows that the system is now fully ready for induction by the users.
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