By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Dec 26:
The Ministry of Defence has cleared the procurement of around 120 “Pralay” ballistic missiles for the Indian armed forces to deploy them along the borders with China and Pakistan.
According to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the indigenously developed missile, is a tactical, surface-to-surface, and short-range ballistic missile for the use in the battlefield.
The maiden flight test of “Pralay” was successfully conducted on December 22, 2021 followed by second flight-test next day from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
“Pralay”, along with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be the longest-range tactical weapon system in the defence forces as the long-range strategic weapons are controlled by the strategic forces command. DRDO started developing the missile in 2015 and took four years to test the required technologies.
Both China and Pakistan have ballistic missiles which are for tactical roles. “Pralay” is intended to be India’s answer to the Dongfeng 12 (CSS-X-15) missile of China.
The features of the Pralay missile
The Missile is powered with solid propellant rocket motor and many new technologies. The missile has a range of 150-500 km and can be launched from a mobile launcher. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation system and integrated avionics. It is designed to destroy enemy radar and communication installations, command and control centres and airfields. It fulfils the Indian Army’s requirement of a conventionally armed tactical ballistic missile. It is powered by solid fuel rocket motor and follows quasi-ballistic trajectory, utilises a composite propellant which generates more energy compared to the propellant used for the Agni missile series.
Developments
The missile is being procured amid renewed tensions with China along the LAC following the clashes in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had told Parliament on December 13, that the Chinese troops tried to “unilaterally “ change the status quo in the Yangtse area in Tawang sector but the Indian Army compelled them to retreat by its firm response.
Besides, there was no visible outcome from the 17th round of India-China Corps Commander level meeting held on December 20 at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point, to exchange views to resolve the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. The Indian side pointed out the issues at the friction points of Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh. However after 10 hour long meeting, the two sides merely agreed to maintain the stability and stay in close contact through military and diplomatic channels, to resolve remaining issues.
