India’s indigenous defence programme achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-test of the Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off the Odisha coast on Thursday. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile successfully completed its user-evaluation trial, bringing it closer to induction into the armed forces.
The test was conducted at 11.10 am on November 5 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the trial met all stipulated objectives, with performance data captured by range instruments confirming its success.
Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI), along with other DRDO laboratories, developed the missile. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a development-cum-production partner, manufactured the system. The trial was conducted in the presence of senior DRDO officials, industry representatives and members of the Defence Forces.
Pralay is a solid-propellant, short-range surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile designed to engage targets with high precision. Its manoeuvrable trajectory and advanced guidance and navigation systems are intended to improve its effectiveness against a range of targets.
Congratulating DRDO, the Defence Forces and industry partners, Rajnath Singh described the successful trial as a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy also congratulated the scientists, engineers and personnel of DRDO, BDL and RCI, Hyderabad, describing the achievement as a proud moment for India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
BJP leaders Vinod Tawde and Baijayant Jay Panda, along with West Bengal Minister Nisith Pramanik and Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, also congratulated the DRDO team.
The successful trial highlights the contribution of Hyderabad’s defence research ecosystem to India’s indigenous missile development programme and the broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
