DRDO Conducts Twin Launch of ‘Pralay’ Missiles

Why in News?

DRDO successfully carried out a salvo launch (back-to-back firing) of two Pralay missiles from the Odisha coast.

Pralay Missile:

Pralay (meaning “Apocalypse”) is India’s first indigenously developed short-range, surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile designed for conventional strikes.

It fills a critical gap in India’s arsenal between long-range strategic nuclear missiles (Agni series) and short-range battlefield rockets (Pinaka)

• Range: 150 km to 500 km.
• Speed: Capable of reaching terminal speeds of Mach 6.1.
• Payload: Can carry conventional warheads weighing between 500 kg and 1,000 kg.
• Propulsion: Powered by a solid propellant rocket motor.
• Trajectory: It is a quasi-ballistic missile, meaning it follows a low trajectory and can perform in-flight maneuvers to evade interceptor missiles.

Exam Tip:

Pralay = Quasi-ballistic missile (NOT cruise missile)