India's Republic Day parade on 20th January 2025 showcased a significant advancement in the nation's missile capabilities with the first public display of the "Pralay" missile system's twin launcher configuration. Developed DRDO, the Pralay is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile designed to enhance India's defence capabilities along its borders with China and Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army have already placed orders for Pralay missiles, with the IAF ordering 120 units in December 2022 and the Army following suit with an order for 250 units in 2023.
The prominent display of the missile system during the Republic Day parade suggests that a new batch is ready for deployment along critical border regions, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
With an operational range of 150 to 500 kilometers, the Pralay missile provides a significant boost to India's tactical strike capabilities. The newly unveiled twin launcher configuration allows for the consecutive launch of two missiles, increasing its effectiveness in combat situations. This development is particularly crucial given the ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan.
The Pralay missile is equipped with advanced guidance systems, ensuring high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. Efforts are underway to further refine its precision to achieve a CEP of less than 4 meters. The missile also boasts a terminal speed of Mach 6.1 and incorporates a millimeter-wave seeker housed in a fused silica radome for precise targeting, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.
The development of the Pralay missile system aligns with India's strategic objectives to strengthen its defence capabilities and maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. Its deployment along the LAC and LoC is expected to significantly enhance India's military posture in the region.
