Bharat is going to export the deadly Pralay missile; how dangerous is its twin launcher?
Bharat’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will soon test the export version of its Pralay Tactical Ballistic Missile, which has a range limited to 290 km. It follows MTCR guidelines. The missile’s high accuracy and quick deployment are its key features. Pralay missile is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Bharat’s indigenous technology.
Bharat’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) may soon test the export version of its Pralay Tactical Ballistic Missile. The range of this missile has been limited to 290 km. So that it can follow the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), this change has been made considering Bharat’s growing defence export capabilities. The special thing is that Armenia has emerged as a potential customer of this advanced missile system.
Features and new limitations of Pralay missile
Currently, the Pralay missile operates in a range of 150 to 500 km, making it extremely effective in the tactical battlefield. However, to comply with international guidelines and to facilitate exports to non-MTCR countries, its range has been limited to 290 km. These changes were made to comply with the rules of the export of weapons globally. However, the operational capability of the missile will be maintained.
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Armenia, which is modernizing its defence capabilities, has shown interest in Bharat’s Indigenous Pralay missile system. This missile is capable of striking the target with a high capacity. This makes it an excellent option for countries looking for advanced, reliable, and robust weapons and missile systems, and Armenia’s interest reflects the growing global importance of Bharat’s indigenous defence technologies.
Twin-launcher configuration of Pralay missile
DRDO has also prepared to test the twin-launcher configuration for the Pralay missile. This upgrade will give the power to carry and fire two Pralay missiles on a single launcher, which will make both the movement and action of the force on the battlefield easier and will make it easier to conduct operations against the enemy. In initial tests of Pralay, the launcher could carry only one missile at a time, but in future tests, the capabilities of a twin-launcher setup will be enhanced.
The twin-launcher configuration will make the Pralay system even more interesting for export customers. It will provide the ability to strike quickly and effectively on a high-speed battlefield, making this system extremely important in tactical operations.
This new version of the Pralay missile will establish India as a major player in the global defence market and further boost Bharat’s indigenous defence technology capabilities.
Operational Capabilities of Pralay Missile
The Pralay missile is designed for high accuracy and rapid deployment. It is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads, making it adaptable to different mission profiles. Its solid-propellant system enables it to be ready immediately, and its high manoeuvrability makes it more vulnerable to enemy intercepts.
A balance between export version and domestic use
While the limited-range version is being prepared for export, the domestic Pralay missile with a full range of 500 km has been designed for the Indian Armed Forces. It enhances India’s ability to carry out precision strikes on strategic targets, especially in disputed border areas. That is, it can be used anywhere on the LoC and LAC in any weather and at any temperature if needed.
What is the plan of the Bharatiya Army regarding the Pralay missile?
The Indian Army is preparing to deploy Pralay ballistic missiles in the year 2026. These missiles, which have a range of 150 to 500 kilometres, will be deployed near the LOC and LAC near the border with Pakistan and on the Line of Actual Control adjacent to China. Pralay missiles have been specially designed to give a befitting reply to the tricks of the neighbouring country on the borders.
The Pralay missile was approved for the Bharatiya Air Force in 2022. After this, two of its units were also approved in April 2023. Now the Bharatiya Army is also preparing to include it in its rocket force.
The speciality of the Pralay missile is that it can easily destroy enemy bases. Due to its short range, it can very quickly destroy enemy bases, bunkers, cannons, and weapons depots. In December 2021, it was successfully tested twice within 24 hours. At the same time, in November 2023, Pralay was also tested from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This missile will be deployed in the border areas of China and Pakistan.
The accuracy and speed of the Pralay missile make it the most lethal. It weighs about 5 tonnes and is capable of carrying conventional weapons weighing 500 to 1000 kg. This missile is based on three technologies: Prahar, Prithvi-2, and Prithvi-3. Its high speed makes it even more dangerous.
The Pralay missile is capable of attacking even at night. This ability makes it even more lethal for the enemy. With the help of an infrared or thermal scanner installed in it, it can carry out precise attacks even at night. This missile runs on an initial guidance system, and its fuel is solid propellant.
