Pralay Missile: India's New Tactical Ballistic Weapon
India is developing the Pralay missile as a key tactical weapon, enhancing its strike capabilities beyond existing systems like BrahMos.
Source: GNews DRDO WeaponsThe Pralay missile is emerging as a significant tactical ballistic missile for India, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This surface-to-surface missile is designed for conventional warfare, offering a range of 150 to 500 kilometers. It can carry a high explosive pre-formed fragmentation warhead, a penetration-cum-blast (PCB) warhead, or a runway denial penetration (RDP) warhead, weighing between 350 kg and 700 kg. The Pralay missile uses a solid propellant rocket motor and advanced navigation systems, including an inertial navigation system and a global positioning system. Its mobility and precision make it a crucial asset for battlefield support and striking high-value targets. The Pralay missile is expected to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, providing a potent option for tactical strikes.
The Pralay missile is important for competitive exams under UPSC GS Paper III (Science and Technology Indigenization of technology and developing new technology) and SSC General Awareness (Defence). Aspirants should understand its specifications, strategic role, and the organization behind its development. This topic highlights India's progress in indigenous defence manufacturing and its impact on national security.
- Pralay is a surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile.
- Its operational range is between 150 to 500 kilometers.
- The missile can carry a payload of 350 kg to 700 kg.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Pralay uses a solid propellant rocket motor for propulsion.
- It features advanced navigation systems for high accuracy.
Pralay is an Indian tactical quasi-ballistic missile. It is a short-range, surface-to-surface missile developed by DRDO. Designed for conventional warfare, it can strike targets with high precision and carry various types of warheads, making it versatile for different battlefield scenarios.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India, responsible for the research and development of defence technologies. Founded in 1958, its headquarters are in New Delhi. It works under the Ministry of Defence and plays a crucial role in making India self-reliant in defence.
A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads to a predetermined target. These missiles are powered for only a short initial part of their flight, with the rest of the flight unpowered and governed by gravity and air resistance.
Examiners often ask about indigenous defence technologies, their developers (like DRDO), and their strategic significance. Focus on the type of missile, its range, and key features for UPSC and SSC exams.
Pralay (meaning 'destruction') is a 'P'recise 'R'ange 'A'nd 'L'ethal 'A'rm for 'Y'our army.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pralay missile and its primary purpose?
The Pralay missile is an indigenous surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile developed by DRDO. Its primary purpose is to provide a conventional strike option for the Indian Armed Forces, targeting high-value assets and battlefield support with precision.
What is the range and payload capacity of the Pralay missile?
The Pralay missile has an operational range of 150 to 500 kilometers. It can carry a significant payload, with warhead options ranging from 350 kg to 700 kg, including high explosive, penetration-cum-blast, and runway denial warheads.
How does the Pralay missile differ from the BrahMos missile?
The Pralay missile is a ballistic missile, following a parabolic trajectory, while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that flies at a constant altitude. Pralay is designed for tactical conventional strikes, whereas BrahMos offers precision strikes against various targets.