Pralay (missile): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| is_missile         = yes
| name = Pralay
| name               = Pralay
| image = Launch of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile Pralay (cropped).jpg
| image             = Launch of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile Pralay (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 200
| image_size         =  
| caption = Maiden flight test of surface-to-surface missile Pralay.
| caption           =  
| origin = [[India]]
| origin             = [[India]]
| type = [[Tactical ballistic missile]], [[SRBM]]
| type               = [[Tactical ballistic missile]], [[SRBM]]
| used_by = [[Indian Army]]
| used_by           = [[Indian Army]]
| designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| designer           = [[Research Centre Imarat]] ([[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]])<!-- Infobox weapon now allows design groups in the designer section -->
| manufacturer =  
| manufacturer       =  
| unit_cost =  
| unit_cost         =  
| propellant = [[Solid  propellant|Solid]]
| propellant         = [[Solid  propellant|Solid]]
| production_date =  
| production_date   =  
| service =  
| service           =  
| engine = Two stage [[rocket motor]] with third stage [[MARV|MaRV]]<ref name="tnie-8sep18">{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=Pralay set for maiden launch |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/08/pralay-set-for-maiden-launch-1869189.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 September 2018}}</ref>
| engine             = Two stage [[rocket motor]] with third stage [[MARV|MaRV]]<ref name="tnie-8sep18">{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=Pralay set for maiden launch |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/08/pralay-set-for-maiden-launch-1869189.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 September 2018}}</ref>
| engine_power =  
| engine_power       =  
| weight = {{convert|5|t}}<ref name="tnie-8sep18">{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=Pralay set for maiden launch |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/08/pralay-set-for-maiden-launch-1869189.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 September 2018}}</ref>
| weight             = {{convert|5|t}}<ref name="tnie-8sep18">{{cite news |last1=Rout |first1=Hemant Kumar |title=Pralay set for maiden launch |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/sep/08/pralay-set-for-maiden-launch-1869189.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 September 2018}}</ref>
| length =  
| length             =  
| height =  
| height             =  
| diameter =  
| diameter           =  
| wingspan =  
| wingspan           =  
| speed = '''Terminal phase: '''{{convert|1|Mach|km/h mph km/s}} to {{convert|1.6|Mach|km/h mph km/s}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Warhead of Pralay |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warhead_of_Pralay.jpg |website=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>  
| speed             = '''Terminal phase: '''{{convert|1|Mach|km/h mph km/s}} to {{convert|1.6|Mach|km/h mph km/s}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Warhead of Pralay |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warhead_of_Pralay.jpg |website=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>  
| vehicle_range = {{cvt|150|–|500|km}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Flight test of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ successful |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/flight-test-of-ballistic-missile-pralay-successful-7685426/ |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The Indian Express |date=22 December 2021}}</ref>
| vehicle_range     = {{cvt|150|–|500|km}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Flight test of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ successful |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/flight-test-of-ballistic-missile-pralay-successful-7685426/ |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The Indian Express |date=22 December 2021}}</ref>
| ceiling =  
| ceiling           =  
| altitude =  
| altitude           =  
| filling = [[High explosive]] preformed fragmentation (PCB, RDPS)<ref>{{cite web |title=Prithvi Missile Warheads - Airforce Version |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/2646/174 |website=Armament Research & Development Establishment |publisher=Defence Research and Development Organisation |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Warhead of Pralay |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warhead_of_Pralay.jpg |website=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>  
| filling           = [[High explosive]] preformed fragmentation (PCB, RDPS)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Linganna |first1=Girish |title=India’s instrument of skyfall: Pralay surface-to-surface short range ballistic missile |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indias-instrument-of-skyfall-pralay-surface-to-surface-short-range-ballistic-missile/2924188/ |access-date=24 December 2022 |publisher=Financial Express |date=23 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Prithvi Missile Warheads - Airforce Version |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/2646/174 |website=Armament Research & Development Establishment |publisher=Defence Research and Development Organisation |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Warhead of Pralay |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Warhead_of_Pralay.jpg |website=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>
| filling_weight = {{convert|370|kg|lb|abbr=on}} - {{convert|700|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf |website=Defence Research and Development Organisation |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>
| filling_weight     = {{convert|370|kg|lb|abbr=on}} - {{convert|700|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_May-Jun_2018_web.pdf |website=Defence Research and Development Organisation |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=22 December 2021}}</ref>
| guidance = [[Inertial navigation system]]<ref name="tnie-8sep18"/>
| guidance           = [[Inertial navigation system]]<ref name="tnie-8sep18"/>
| accuracy = <{{convert|10|m|ft}} [[Circular error probable| CEP]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2017/06/13/pralay-indias-new-under-development-conventional-strike-surface-to-surface-missile/|title=PRALAY: India's New Under Development Conventional Strike Surface-to-Surface Missile|last=Jha|first=Saurav|date=2017-06-13|website=Delhi Defence Review|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-11-08}}</ref>
| accuracy           = <{{convert|10|m|ft}} [[Circular error probable| CEP]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2017/06/13/pralay-indias-new-under-development-conventional-strike-surface-to-surface-missile/|title=PRALAY: India's New Under Development Conventional Strike Surface-to-Surface Missile|last=Jha|first=Saurav|date=2017-06-13|website=Delhi Defence Review|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-11-08}}</ref>
| launch_platform = 8 x 8 [[BEML]]-[[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] [[transporter erector launcher]]
| launch_platform   = 8 x 8 [[BEML]]-[[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] [[transporter erector launcher]]
}}
}}


'''Pralay''' ("[[Pralaya]] : destruction") is a canisterised [[Surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]] [[Tactical ballistic missile|tactical]] [[short-range ballistic missile]] (SRBM) for battlefield use developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) of [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau|title=Sizing Up the Competition on the Doklam Plateau|author=|date=|website=Stratfor|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="tnie-8sep18" /> The missile is the amalgamation of technologies developed for [[exoatmospheric]] interceptor missile [[Prithvi Defence Vehicle]] (PDV) from [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]] and [[Prahaar (missile)|Prahaar]] tactical missile.<ref name="tnie-8sep18" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-12-22|title=Why Pralay quasi-ballistic missile, tested by DRDO today, will be a 'game-changer' for Army|url=https://theprint.in/defence/why-pralay-quasi-ballistic-missile-tested-by-drdo-today-will-be-a-game-changer-for-army/785809/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> The project to develop Pralay was sanctioned in March 2015 with a budget of {{INRConvert|332.88|c|lk=on|year=2015}}.<ref name="scd-report30">{{cite web|title=Thirtieth Report on ''Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2017-18 pertaining to Revenue Budget of Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organisation, DGQA and NCC (Demand No. 20)''|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65189/1/16_Defence_30.pdf|publisher=Lok Sabha Secretariat|location=New Delhi|page=59|date=9 March 2017}}</ref>
'''Pralay''' ("[[Pralaya]] : Apocalypse") is a canisterised [[Tactical ballistic missile|tactical]], [[Surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]], and [[short-range ballistic missile]] (SRBM) for battlefield use developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) of [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/sizing-competition-doklam-plateau|title=Sizing Up the Competition on the Doklam Plateau|author=|date=|website=Stratfor|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="tnie-8sep18" /> The missile is an amalgamation of technologies developed for [[exoatmospheric]] interceptor missile [[Prithvi Defence Vehicle]] (PDV) from [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]] and [[Prahaar (missile)|Prahaar]] tactical missile.<ref name="tnie-8sep18" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-12-22|title=Why Pralay quasi-ballistic missile, tested by DRDO today, will be a 'game-changer' for Army|url=https://theprint.in/defence/why-pralay-quasi-ballistic-missile-tested-by-drdo-today-will-be-a-game-changer-for-army/785809/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> The project to develop Pralay was sanctioned in March 2015 with a budget of {{INRConvert|332.88|c|lk=on|year=2015}}.<ref name="scd-report30">{{cite web|title=Thirtieth Report on ''Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2017-18 pertaining to Revenue Budget of Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organisation, DGQA and NCC (Demand No. 20)''|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65189/1/16_Defence_30.pdf|publisher=Lok Sabha Secretariat|location=New Delhi|page=59|date=9 March 2017}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==
[[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI) is the lead integrator in this project. Similar foreign missiles of the same class include [[Dongfeng_(missile)#Dongfeng_12_(CSS-X-15)|Dongfeng 12 (CSS-X-15)]], [[9K720 Iskander]] and [[Hyunmoo|Hyunmoo 2]] missile. Powered by solid fuel rocket motor, the missile follows quasi-ballistic trajectory and able to perform mid-air maneuvers using [[maneuverable reentry vehicle]] (MaRV) to defeat [[anti-ballistic missile]] (ABM) interceptors.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chakraborty|first=Abhishek|date=22 December 2021|title=Watch: India Successfully Tests 'Pralay' Missile. Has Ability To Change Path Midair|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-successfully-tests-pralay-missile-off-odisha-coast-2664670|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=NDTV}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


At the moment, the only means for the [[Indian Army]] to strike targets at distances of close to 500 km is the [[BrahMos]] supersonic cruise missile, which though deadly accurate, can carry a payload of only about 200 kg or so, besides being somewhat expensive. As such, the [[Indian Army]] in recent times has felt the need for a SRBM with a range of around 500 km that can also carry a sizeable payload. [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] lab [[Research Centre Imarat]], Hyderabad is the lead integrator of this project. Pralay missile is comparable to China's [[Dongfeng_(missile)#Dongfeng_12_(CSS-X-15)|Dongfeng 12 (CSS-X-15)]] also known as M20 and Russian [[9K720 Iskander]] missile. Pralay is a solid fuel missile that follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory and can perform mid-air manoeuvres using [[maneuverable reentry vehicle]] (MaRV) to defeat [[anti-ballistic missile]] (ABM) interceptors.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chakraborty|first=Abhishek|date=22 December 2021|title=Watch: India Successfully Tests 'Pralay' Missile. Has Ability To Change Path Midair|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-successfully-tests-pralay-missile-off-odisha-coast-2664670|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=NDTV}}</ref>  
Pralay uses the same [[composite propellant]] developed by [[High Energy Materials Research Laboratory]] (HEMRL) for [[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika]] from [[K Missile family]]. The composite propellant is highly efficient and generates more energy compared to propellant used in [[Agni (missile)|Agni missile]] series.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=31 December 2021|title=The ‘K’ factor in the recent missile tests|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-k-factor-in-the-recent-missile-tests-1894315-2021-12-30|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-01|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>


Pralay uses a new generation of [[composite propellant]] that [[High Energy Materials Research Laboratory]] (HEMRL) started working on during the development phase of [[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika]] from [[K Missile family]]. The solid fuel is highly efficient and can provide more energy compare to the fuel used in [[Agni (missile)|Agni missile]] series. The objective is to help miniaturize future missiles without compromising on operational range.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=31 December 2021|title=The ‘K’ factor in the recent missile tests|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-k-factor-in-the-recent-missile-tests-1894315-2021-12-30|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-01|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> 
Pralay carries 350 kg to 700 kg [[high explosive]] preformed [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] warhead, Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) and [[Anti-runway penetration bomb|Runway Denial Penetration Submunition]] (RDPS) at a range of 150 km to 500 km. Pralay is designed to target radar and communication installations, [[command and control]] centers and [[Advance airfield|advance airfields]] using conventional warhead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Biswas |first1=Ramakanta |title=Maiden Flight Test Of ‘Pralay’ Missile Conducted Successfully Off Odisha Coast |url=https://odishatv.in/news/national/maiden-flight-test-of-pralay-missile-conducted-successfully-off-odisha-coast-166740 |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=Odisha TV |date=22 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Pralay' quasi ballistic missile successfully tested for 2nd consecutive day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/pralay-quasi-ballistic-missile-successfully-tested-for-2nd-consecutive-day/articleshow/88449908.cms |access-date=23 December 2021 |agency=ANI |publisher=The Times of India |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> The system is road mobile and meets the [[tactical ballistic missile]] requirement of the [[Indian Army]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India successfully test fires Pralay ballistic missile, which can strike target 500 km away |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-successfully-test-fires-pralay-ballistic-missile-which-can-strike-target-500-km-away-10229261.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=ANI |publisher=Firstpost |date=22 December 2021}}</ref> Pralay fills the gap of a conventionally armed ballistic missile that is not hampered by '[[No_first_use#India|No First Use]]' nuclear policy.<ref name=":2" />
 
Pralay can carry 350 kg to 700 kg [[high explosive]] preformed [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] warhead, Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) and [[Anti-runway penetration bomb|Runway Denial Penetration Submunition]] (RDPS) at a range of 150 km to 500 km which can target radar and communication installations, [[command and control]] centers and [[Advance airfield|advance airfields]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Biswas |first1=Ramakanta |title=Maiden Flight Test Of ‘Pralay’ Missile Conducted Successfully Off Odisha Coast |url=https://odishatv.in/news/national/maiden-flight-test-of-pralay-missile-conducted-successfully-off-odisha-coast-166740 |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=Odisha TV |date=22 December 2021}}</ref> Since, most of the available [[short-range ballistic missile]] (SRBM) in India are of [[Strategic nuclear weapon|strategic]] purpose which can raise false alarm of [[nuclear strike]] in a [[conventional warfare]] scenario.<ref>{{cite news |title='Pralay' quasi ballistic missile successfully tested for 2nd consecutive day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/pralay-quasi-ballistic-missile-successfully-tested-for-2nd-consecutive-day/articleshow/88449908.cms |access-date=23 December 2021 |agency=ANI |publisher=The Times of India |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> The Pralay missile is specifically developed to be highly mobile and meet the conventional [[tactical ballistic missile]] requirement of the [[Indian Army]].<ref>{{cite news |title=India successfully test fires Pralay ballistic missile, which can strike target 500 km away |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-successfully-test-fires-pralay-ballistic-missile-which-can-strike-target-500-km-away-10229261.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |agency=ANI |publisher=Firstpost |date=22 December 2021}}</ref> Upon induction, Pralay missile will become part of [[Regiment of Artillery (India)|Regiment of Artillery]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-12-22|title=Why Pralay quasi-ballistic missile, tested by DRDO today, will be a 'game-changer' for Army|url=https://theprint.in/defence/why-pralay-quasi-ballistic-missile-tested-by-drdo-today-will-be-a-game-changer-for-army/785809/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Induction ===
The development of Pralay started from 2015 and it took four years to test the required technologies. DRDO will conduct four test flight before the missile system will become operationalized.<ref name=":1" />


==Testing==
==Testing==
Line 49: Line 45:


=== First trial ===
=== First trial ===
On 22 December 2021, DRDO conducted the maiden test of Pralay from the [[Abdul Kalam Island]]. It met all the mission objectives and followed the desired quasi ballistic trajectory reaching the designated target with high degree of accuracy, validating controls, guidance system and mission algorithms.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 December 2021|title=DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-conducts-maiden-launch-of-indigenously-developed-new-generation-surface-to-surface-missile-pralay/articleshow/88430908.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784136|website=PIB|title=DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’|date=22 December 2021|access-date=23 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 December 2021, DRDO conducted the maiden test of Pralay from [[Abdul Kalam Island]].<ref>{{cite news |date=22 December 2021 |title=DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’ |website=Press Information Bureau |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784136 |url-status=live |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> The missile followed quasi ballistic trajectory reaching the designated target at 400 km with high degree of accuracy, validating controls, guidance system and mission algorithms.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 December 2021|title=DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-conducts-maiden-launch-of-indigenously-developed-new-generation-surface-to-surface-missile-pralay/articleshow/88430908.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-22|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


=== Second trial ===
=== Second trial ===
On 23 December 2021, DRDO conducted second test of Pralay from the [[Abdul Kalam Island]]. This is the first time in history that two consecutive tests of conventional ballistic missile like ‘Pralay’ were conducted successfully. The second test concluded with a heavier payload and different range to check the precision and lethality of the missile.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |title=India tests Pralay missile again! Game changer for the Indian Army |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/india-tests-pralay-missile-again-game-changer-for-the-indian-army/2388077/ |access-date=23 December 2021 |publisher=Financial Express |date=23 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2021-12-23|title='Pralay', India's first conventional ballistic missile, test-fired again|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pralay-india-s-second-conventional-ballistic-missile-testfired-101640235805392.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784515|website=PIB|title=DRDO successfully conducts second flight-test of indigenously developed conventional Surface-to-Surface missile ‘Pralay’|date=23 December 2021|access-date=23 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 23 December 2021, DRDO conducted another test of Pralay from [[Abdul Kalam Island]].<ref>{{cite news |date=23 December 2021 |title=DRDO successfully conducts second flight-test of indigenously developed conventional Surface-to-Surface missile ‘Pralay’ |website=Press Information Bureau |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784515 |url-status=live |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> The test was conducted using heavier payload to check the lethality and accuracy of the weapon. Pralay covered the maximum range of 500 km and was monitored by range sensors and instruments, including telemetry, radar and electro-optic tracking system deployed across the eastern coast and the downrange ships positioned near the impact point.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |title=India tests Pralay missile again! Game changer for the Indian Army |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/india-tests-pralay-missile-again-game-changer-for-the-indian-army/2388077/ |access-date=23 December 2021 |publisher=Financial Express |date=23 December 2021}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2021-12-23|title='Pralay', India's first conventional ballistic missile, test-fired again|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pralay-india-s-second-conventional-ballistic-missile-testfired-101640235805392.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
 
== Induction ==
The development phase of Pralay began in 2015 and took four years to test the required technologies. DRDO will conduct four test flights before the missile being commissioned.<ref name=":1" /> According to analysts, development of Pralay achieved an important milestone for India's future Rocket Force.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Levesques |first1=Antoine |title=India’s Pralay ballistic missile: a step towards a rocket force? |url=https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2022/04/indias-pralay-ballistic-missile-a-step-towards-a-rocket-force |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Maj Gen Ashok |title=Rocket-Missile Force: An Inescapable Indian Necessity |url=https://chanakyaforum.com/rocket-missile-force-an-inescapable-indian-necessity/ |publisher=Chanakya Forum |access-date=27 October 2022}}</ref> In view of [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes]], Indian Armed Forces in December 2022 moved proposal for acquisition of Pralay missile.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubey |first=Ajit K |date=20 December 2022 |title=Indian forces acquiring 'Pralay' ballistic missile for striking targets at 150-500 Km |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-forces-acquiring-pralay-ballistic-missile-for-striking-targets-at-150-500-km20221220140750/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Shaurya (missile)]]
*[[Shaurya (missile)]]
*[[Prahaar (missile)|Pragati (missile)]]
*[[Prahaar (missile)|Pragati (missile)]]

Latest revision as of 19:16, 14 August 2023

Pralay
Launch of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile Pralay (cropped).jpg
TypeTactical ballistic missile, SRBM
Place of originIndia
Service history
Used byIndian Army
Production history
DesignerResearch Centre Imarat (DRDO)
Specifications
Mass5 tonnes (4.9 long tons; 5.5 short tons)[1]
WarheadHigh explosive preformed fragmentation (PCB, RDPS)[2][3][4]
Warhead weight370 kg (820 lb) - 700 kg (1,500 lb)[5]
EngineTwo stage rocket motor with third stage MaRV[1]
PropellantSolid
Operational
range
150–500 km (93–311 mi)[6]
Maximum speed Terminal phase: Mach 1 (1,200 km/h; 760 mph; 0.34 km/s) to Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/h; 1,220 mph; 0.544 km/s)[7]
Guidance
system
Inertial navigation system[1]
Accuracy<10 metres (33 ft) CEP[8]
Launch
platform
8 x 8 BEML-Tatra transporter erector launcher

Pralay ("Pralaya : Apocalypse") is a canisterised tactical, surface-to-surface, and short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) for battlefield use developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.[9][1] The missile is an amalgamation of technologies developed for exoatmospheric interceptor missile Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) from Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme and Prahaar tactical missile.[1][10] The project to develop Pralay was sanctioned in March 2015 with a budget of ₹332.88 crore (equivalent to ₹404 crore or US$46 million in 2019).[11]

Development[edit]

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is the lead integrator in this project. Similar foreign missiles of the same class include Dongfeng 12 (CSS-X-15), 9K720 Iskander and Hyunmoo 2 missile. Powered by solid fuel rocket motor, the missile follows quasi-ballistic trajectory and able to perform mid-air maneuvers using maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) to defeat anti-ballistic missile (ABM) interceptors.[12][13]

Pralay uses the same composite propellant developed by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) for Sagarika from K Missile family. The composite propellant is highly efficient and generates more energy compared to propellant used in Agni missile series.[14]

Pralay carries 350 kg to 700 kg high explosive preformed fragmentation warhead, Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) and Runway Denial Penetration Submunition (RDPS) at a range of 150 km to 500 km. Pralay is designed to target radar and communication installations, command and control centers and advance airfields using conventional warhead.[15][16] The system is road mobile and meets the tactical ballistic missile requirement of the Indian Army.[17] Pralay fills the gap of a conventionally armed ballistic missile that is not hampered by 'No First Use' nuclear policy.[13]

Testing[edit]

Pralay launched from Abdul Kalam Island.

First trial[edit]

On 22 December 2021, DRDO conducted the maiden test of Pralay from Abdul Kalam Island.[18] The missile followed quasi ballistic trajectory reaching the designated target at 400 km with high degree of accuracy, validating controls, guidance system and mission algorithms.[19][13]

Second trial[edit]

On 23 December 2021, DRDO conducted another test of Pralay from Abdul Kalam Island.[20] The test was conducted using heavier payload to check the lethality and accuracy of the weapon. Pralay covered the maximum range of 500 km and was monitored by range sensors and instruments, including telemetry, radar and electro-optic tracking system deployed across the eastern coast and the downrange ships positioned near the impact point.[21][13]

Induction[edit]

The development phase of Pralay began in 2015 and took four years to test the required technologies. DRDO will conduct four test flights before the missile being commissioned.[14] According to analysts, development of Pralay achieved an important milestone for India's future Rocket Force.[22][23] In view of 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes, Indian Armed Forces in December 2022 moved proposal for acquisition of Pralay missile.[24]

See also[edit]

Comparable missiles[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Rout, Hemant Kumar (8 September 2018). "Pralay set for maiden launch". The New Indian Express.
  2. ↑ Linganna, Girish (23 December 2022). "India's instrument of skyfall: Pralay surface-to-surface short range ballistic missile". Financial Express. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  3. ↑ "Prithvi Missile Warheads - Airforce Version". Armament Research & Development Establishment. Defence Research and Development Organisation. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  4. ↑ "Warhead of Pralay". Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  5. ↑ "DRDO Technology Focus : Warhead for Missiles, Torpedoes and Rockets" (PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  6. ↑ "Flight test of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile 'Pralay' successful". The Indian Express. ENS. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  7. ↑ "Warhead of Pralay". Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  8. ↑ Jha, Saurav (2017-06-13). "PRALAY: India's New Under Development Conventional Strike Surface-to-Surface Missile". Delhi Defence Review. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  9. ↑ "Sizing Up the Competition on the Doklam Plateau". Stratfor. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  10. ↑ Philip, Snehesh Alex (2021-12-22). "Why Pralay quasi-ballistic missile, tested by DRDO today, will be a 'game-changer' for Army". ThePrint. Retrieved 2021-12-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ↑ "Thirtieth Report on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2017-18 pertaining to Revenue Budget of Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organisation, DGQA and NCC (Demand No. 20)" (PDF). New Delhi: Lok Sabha Secretariat. 9 March 2017. p. 59.
  12. ↑ Chakraborty, Abhishek (22 December 2021). "Watch: India Successfully Tests 'Pralay' Missile. Has Ability To Change Path Midair". NDTV. Retrieved 2021-12-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Gupta, Shishir (2021-12-23). "'Pralay', India's first conventional ballistic missile, test-fired again". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2021-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Unnithan, Sandeep (31 December 2021). "The 'K' factor in the recent missile tests". India Today. Retrieved 2022-01-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ↑ Biswas, Ramakanta (22 December 2021). "Maiden Flight Test Of 'Pralay' Missile Conducted Successfully Off Odisha Coast". Odisha TV. PTI. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  16. ↑ "'Pralay' quasi ballistic missile successfully tested for 2nd consecutive day". The Times of India. ANI. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  17. ↑ "India successfully test fires Pralay ballistic missile, which can strike target 500 km away". Firstpost. ANI. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  18. ↑ "DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay'". Press Information Bureau. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ "DRDO conducts maiden launch of indigenously developed new generation surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay'". The Times of India. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "DRDO successfully conducts second flight-test of indigenously developed conventional Surface-to-Surface missile 'Pralay'". Press Information Bureau. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ↑ Siddiqui, Huma (23 December 2021). "India tests Pralay missile again! Game changer for the Indian Army". Financial Express. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  22. ↑ Levesques, Antoine. "India's Pralay ballistic missile: a step towards a rocket force?". International Institute for Strategic Studies. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  23. ↑ Kumar, Maj Gen Ashok. "Rocket-Missile Force: An Inescapable Indian Necessity". Chanakya Forum. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  24. ↑ Dubey, Ajit K (20 December 2022). "Indian forces acquiring 'Pralay' ballistic missile for striking targets at 150-500 Km". ANI News. Retrieved 2022-12-20.


External links[edit]

Technical:

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