India test-launches indigenously built solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – India said Wednesday it successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously built, surface-to-surface short-range Pralay missiles during user evaluation trials, according to a statement by the Defense Ministry.

The ministry said the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) carried out the launch in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of the eastern province of Odisha.

“The flight-test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials. Both the missiles followed the intended trajectory meeting all flight objectives as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur,” the statement said.

Pralay is a domestically developed solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile fitted with advanced guidance and navigation systems “capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets,” according to the ministry.

The tests were observed by senior DRDO scientists, officials from the Indian Air Force and Army, and representatives from industry partners involved in development and production, the statement added.