On July 28 and 29, 2025, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two successful flight tests of the indigenously developed Pralay missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast. These tests, part of User Evaluation Trials, validated the missile’s performance at both maximum and minimum ranges. The Pralay missile followed its intended trajectory with pinpoint accuracy, meeting all test objectives. Tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), including ship-based instruments near the target impact point, confirmed that all subsystems performed as expected.
The Pralay is a solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile equipped with advanced guidance and navigation systems for high precision. It can carry multiple warhead types, enabling strikes against diverse targets. Developed by the Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with DRDO laboratories—such as the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research & Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), and ITR—the missile also involved industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Senior DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and industry partners witnessed the tests. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO, armed forces, and industry for the successful trials, emphasizing that the missile’s modern technologies will enhance India’s defense capabilities against emerging threats.
The successful Pralay missile tests mark a significant advancement in India’s defense posture, particularly in the context of its strategic competition with Pakistan and China. With a reported range of 150–500 km and the ability to carry conventional or tactical nuclear warheads, Pralay strengthens India’s deterrence against regional adversaries.
The Pralay missile’s precision and flexibility pose a direct challenge to Pakistan’s security calculus. Positioned along India’s western border, Pakistan has historically relied on its own missile systems, such as the Shaheen series, and tactical nuclear weapons to counter India’s conventional military superiority. Pralay’s quasi-ballistic trajectory, which allows it to evade missile defense systems by flying at low altitudes with maneuverability, complicates Pakistan’s defensive planning. Its short flight time and ability to strike high-value targets, such as command centers or military infrastructure, could neutralize Pakistan’s forward-deployed assets in a conflict. The missile’s development signals India’s intent to maintain a technological edge, particularly in response to Pakistan’s growing missile capabilities and its reliance on asymmetric warfare through proxy groups, as seen in incidents like the Pahalgam attack.
In the context of India’s tensions with China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Pralay enhances India’s ability to counter China’s advanced missile systems, such as the DF-21 and DF-26. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed significant missile forces in its Western Theater Command, facing India, to project power and deter Indian military actions. Pralay’s high precision and multi-warhead capability allow India to target PLA infrastructure, including airfields, logistics hubs, and missile sites in Tibet, with minimal warning time. The missile’s integration into India’s broader defense strategy, alongside systems like the Agni series and BrahMos, strengthens its conventional deterrence against China’s numerical and technological advantages. Moreover, the Pralay’s development aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology, reducing dependence on foreign systems and countering China’s dominance in regional arms production.
The Pralay tests occur amid heightened regional tensions, including India’s response to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and ongoing border standoffs with China. By demonstrating a robust missile capability, India aims to deter both adversaries while signaling its technological prowess to the international community. The involvement of the Indian Army and Air Force in the trials suggests Pralay’s integration into multi-domain operations, enhancing India’s ability to conduct rapid, precise strikes in a contested environment.