DRDO Successfully Tests Salvo Launch Capability of Pralay Missile off Odisha Coast

Successful back-to-back missile launch

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on December 31, 2025, successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the Odisha coast. The test took place around 10:30 am as part of user evaluation trials, a critical step before operational induction.

According to an official DRDO statement, both missiles followed their planned trajectories precisely and met all mission objectives. Tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, confirmed the flight performance, while onboard ship-based telemetry systems verified terminal-stage events near the designated impact areas.

Defence officials said the test demonstrated not only the missile’s accuracy but also the launcher’s ability to rapidly fire multiple missiles — a key requirement in modern battlefield scenarios.

What is the Pralay missile?

Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile designed for high-precision conventional strikes. It uses advanced guidance and navigation systems to ensure accuracy against a wide range of targets.

The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads, giving the armed forces flexibility to neutralise different kinds of threats. Defence analysts see Pralay as a vital addition to India’s tactical missile arsenal, particularly for deterrence and quick-response roles.

Collaboration across DRDO and Indian industry

The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, and others.

Production and system integration for the test launches were carried out by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the designated Development-cum-Production Partners. Senior DRDO scientists, along with representatives from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, witnessed the trials, highlighting the joint-user focus of the programme.

Government reaction and strategic significance

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces, defence public sector undertakings, and industry partners for the successful test. In a statement, he said the back-to-back launches had firmly established the reliability of the Pralay missile system, particularly its rapid-fire capability.

DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V. Kamat, said the successful trials indicate that the missile system is nearing operational induction. He added that user evaluation trials are a strong signal that the system is ready to meet the requirements of the armed forces.

Why it matters

The successful salvo launch comes at a time when modern militaries are prioritising precision, survivability, and rapid response. The ability to fire multiple missiles in quick succession from a single launcher enhances battlefield effectiveness and complicates enemy defence planning.

Defence experts note that Pralay strengthens India’s conventional strike capabilities and reflects the country’s broader push towards self-reliance in advanced missile technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With user trials progressing smoothly, Pralay is expected to soon become a key component of India’s tactical missile force.