NEW DELHI, November 6: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully flight-tested the quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, and said all test objectives were met. The test was part of user evaluation trials, and the ministry said induction of the system “has become imminent”.
Key highlights
- When and where: about 11:10 am on November 5, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- Result: all test objectives were met, confirmed by data from range instruments of the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
- Who built it: developed by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, with other DRDO laboratories; produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited as a development-cum-production partner.
- Stage: part of user evaluation trials, watched by officials from DRDO, industry and the Defence Forces.
- Next: the ministry said induction is now imminent.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Missile | Pralay (quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface) |
| Test date and time | November 5, 2026, about 11:10 am |
| Launch site | Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha |
| Developer | Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, and other DRDO labs |
| Production partner | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Trial type | User evaluation trials |
What officials said
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Defence Forces and industry partners, saying the missile, equipped with advanced technologies, will further enhance the technological capabilities and operational preparedness of the military against emerging threats. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams.
What it means
A quasi-ballistic missile follows a mostly ballistic path but can manoeuvre during flight, which makes it harder to intercept than a conventional ballistic missile. User evaluation trials are the last stage before the armed forces accept a weapon into service, so the ministry’s statement that induction is imminent suggests Pralay is close to being deployed. Its production by Bharat Dynamics, a public sector firm, also fits the push to make more weapons in India.
What to watch
- A formal announcement of induction into the Army or Air Force.
- Any further trials or production orders.
Launch of the Pralay surface-to-surface missile during an earlier DRDO test (file photo). Image: Ministry of Defence, GODL-India, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo source · Licence
Sources
The National Desk covers India's politics, governance, security and public-interest news. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
