DRDO Pralay missile launch achieves successful salvo test off Odisha coast, enhancing India’s tactical strike capabilities and indigenous defence technology for armed forces readiness.
DRDO Successfully Tests Pralay Missile with Consecutive Salvo Launch
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles from the same launcher off the Odisha coast. This major defence milestone was achieved during user evaluation trials conducted at around 10:30 AM on 31st December 2025, marking a significant step in advancing India’s missile capabilities and readiness for induction into the armed forces.
What is the Pralay Missile?
Pralay is a solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile designed and developed by DRDO with advanced guidance and navigation systems. It is capable of delivering weapons with high accuracy over a considerable range and can be equipped with different types of warheads tailored to mission requirements. The missile is envisioned to enhance India’s conventional defence posture and tactical strike capabilities.
Details of the Salvo Launch Test
In this recent trial, two Pralay missiles were launched in quick succession from a single launcher stationed off the Odisha coast as part of user evaluation trials. Both missiles accurately followed their intended paths and successfully met the specified mission goals. The tracking sensors deployed at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur and telemetry systems installed on nearby vessels confirmed the precision and effectiveness of the launches.
This back-to-back launch test, also known as a salvo launch, demonstrates the missile system’s reliability in rapid-fire scenarios, which is crucial for modern battlefield requirements where fast response is essential.
Technical Features and Integration Partners
The Pralay missile incorporates state-of-the-art guidance and navigation technologies that ensure high precision even under complex conditions. Its design allows it to carry a range of warhead types, making it versatile for different operational needs.
The missile’s development involved contributions from several DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), with production and integration support from Indian defence firms like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Senior scientists, Indian Army and Air Force representatives, and industry partners witnessed the trial.
Strategic Importance for India’s Defence
The success of this test reflects India’s growing strength in indigenous missile technology. By demonstrating precision, rapid launch capability, and operational reliability, the test highlights that the Pralay missile is ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. This achievement enhances India’s conventional deterrence and provides the military with a reliable tactical strike option.
The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, lauded DRDO and all participating stakeholders, stating that the successful salvo launch establishes confidence in the missile’s reliability and marks a step forward in strengthening the country’s defence ecosystem.
Why This News is Important for Government Exams
Defence Technology and Strategic Studies
The successful salvo launch of the Pralay missile is crucial for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC-CGL, CDS, NDA, Banking, and Defence Services. Understanding advancements in India’s defence technology and indigenous defence manufacturing aligns with the General Studies syllabus, especially in Security and Defence topics.
Currently, UPSC and state PSCs increasingly frame questions on India’s missile programs, strategic deterrence capabilities, and self-reliance in defence production. Knowing about key milestones such as the Pralay missile’s successful test helps aspirants answer questions in both Prelims and Mains, as well as in interview stages.
Relevance to Multiple Exam Sections
For banking and insurance exams, defence developments appear in General Awareness sections. In railways and teaching exams, current affairs segments test how well candidates understand national achievements and policies. For civil services and defence officer exams, this news offers insights into India’s strategic preparedness and defence innovation ecosystem
Historical Context: India’s Missile Development Program
India’s journey in missile development began in the late 20th century as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). Over the decades, India has built a strong missile portfolio, including systems like Agni, BrahMos, Akash, and more. Pralay is part of this growing arsenal, representing advancements in quasi-ballistic missile technology that combine manoeuvrability with high precision.
The maiden test of Pralay was conducted in December 2021, and multiple successful trials have followed, enhancing confidence in its operational use. The latest salvo launch confirms that the system is nearing full operational capability and potential induction into the Indian Army and Air Force.
Key Takeaways from “DRDO Successfully Tests Pralay Missile with Consecutive Salvo Launch”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway for Exams |
|---|---|
| 1. | DRDO successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher on December 31, 2025, off the Odisha coast. |
| 2. | The test demonstrated the missile’s precision, reliability, and readiness for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. |
| 3. | Pralay is an indigenously developed solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile with advanced guidance systems. |
| 4. | This successful salvo launch highlights progress in India’s self-reliance in defence technology. |
| 5. | The trial was monitored by sensors at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, and involved collaboration between DRDO labs and Indian industry partners. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Pralay missile?
Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile designed by DRDO. It is capable of carrying different types of warheads and is intended to enhance India’s tactical strike capabilities.
2. When and where was the recent salvo launch conducted?
The salvo launch of two Pralay missiles was conducted on 31st December 2025 from a single launcher off the Odisha coast during user evaluation trials.
3. What is the strategic significance of the Pralay missile?
The missile enhances India’s conventional deterrence, provides a rapid-response tactical strike capability, and strengthens the country’s defence preparedness.
4. Which organizations contributed to the development of the Pralay missile?
DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), along with Indian defence industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), played key roles in development and integration.
5. What is a salvo launch and why is it important?
A salvo launch involves firing multiple missiles in quick succession from a single launcher. It demonstrates rapid-response capability and operational reliability of missile systems under battlefield conditions.
6. What is the range and payload capability of the Pralay missile?
Pralay is a short-range missile with high precision, capable of carrying conventional warheads suitable for tactical operations.
7. How does this test benefit India’s armed forces?
It validates the missile’s accuracy, reliability, and readiness for induction, boosting confidence for use in operational scenarios and enhancing strategic deterrence.
8. Where are the sensors and telemetry systems deployed for testing?
Sensors and telemetry systems are deployed at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur and on nearby ships to track missile performance.
9. How does the Pralay missile fit into India’s missile development history?
It is part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and complements other missile systems like Agni, BrahMos, and Akash, focusing on quasi-ballistic technology.
10. Who witnessed the latest missile trial?
The trial was observed by senior DRDO scientists, Indian Army and Air Force officials, and defence industry partners, highlighting the collaborative nature of missile development.
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