DRDO conducts maiden flight test of Pralay, indigenously developed missile

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been using cutting edge new technology to upgrade and modernise the Indian defence sector.

In a significant development, DRDO has successfully conducted a maiden flight test of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’.

The test was conducted from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on December 22, 2021.

“The mission has met all its objectives. The new missile followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree 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,” the Ministry of Defence informed.

It further added, “The Missile is powered with the solid propellant rocket motor and many new technologies. The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometres and can be launched from a mobile launcher. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has appreciated this achievement and congratulated DRDO and associated teams for this maiden development flight trial.

“He complimented DRDO for the fast track development and successful launch of the modern surface-to-surface missile,” the Ministry’s release said.

It added, “Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the team and said that this is a new generation surface-to-surface missile equipped with modern technologies and induction of this weapon system will give the necessary impetus to the Armed Forces.”