DRDO is planning for first test of surface-to-surface tactical Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) Pralay from a defence base off Odisha coast on December 18.

India is all set to conduct the maiden test of its brand new surface-to-surface tactical Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) developed under a classified project, code-named Pralay. Elaborate preparation is underway as the missile will be flight tested from a canister mobile launcher from a defence test facility off Odisha coast.

As the missile has to follow a manoeuvrable trajectory, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has planned to evacuate people residing in three km area of the launching complex. This is for the first time that people are being evacuated from a large area.

Earlier planned in September, the test was reportedly deferred for administrative reasons. 

The much faster and accurate Pralay has a strike range up to 500 km and weighs around five ton. It can be compared with China’s DongFeng 12 and Russia’s 9K720 Iskander, both short-range tactical ballistic missiles.“Preparation is also on for a user trial of 4,000 km range Agni-IV missile by the Strategic Forces Command. The missile will be fired in a lofted trajectory like the recent test of Agni-V. The trial is likely to be conducted on December 26,” the official added.

Sky Shield

  • SRBM Pralay to be test-fired from a defence base off Odisha coast
  • Has a strike range up to 500 km
  • Weighs around five ton