India Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Indigenous Pralay Missiles off Odisha Coast

India marked a significant milestone in its defence modernisation journey on December 31, 2025, with the successful test launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles off the coast of Odisha. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the test involved a salvo launch, with both missiles fired in quick succession from the same mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. The exercise formed part of user evaluation trials and confirmed the system’s readiness for operational deployment.

Both missiles precisely followed their designated flight paths and met all mission objectives. Data from tracking radars, telemetry systems, and monitoring ships deployed near the impact zone validated the missiles’ performance, accuracy, and reliability under operational conditions.

The tests were witnessed by senior scientists of DRDO, representatives of users from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army as well as industry representatives | Moneycontrol

Understanding the Pralay Missile System

Pralay is a short-range, quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile developed entirely within India. Powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, the missile is designed for high-speed manoeuvrability and precision strikes against critical enemy targets. Its advanced guidance and navigation systems allow it to alter its trajectory during flight, making interception by enemy air defence systems more challenging.

With an estimated operational range between 150 and 500 kilometres and the capability to carry various conventional warheads, Pralay is intended for tactical battlefield roles. It is designed to neutralise high-value targets such as airbases, logistics hubs, command centres, and infrastructure deep inside hostile territory, strengthening India’s conventional strike capability.

Strategic Importance of the Salvo Launch

The successful back-to-back launch of two Pralay missiles from a single launcher demonstrates a key operational capability—rapid-response precision strikes. Salvo launch capability allows armed forces to overwhelm enemy defences and respond swiftly in dynamic combat scenarios. Defence experts view this as a critical enhancement to India’s tactical deterrence posture, particularly in the context of evolving regional security challenges.

The test also reflects India’s growing confidence in domestically developed missile systems and highlights the maturity of indigenous technologies developed under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Collaborative Indigenous Development

The Pralay missile has been developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, with contributions from multiple DRDO laboratories across the country. Defence public sector undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have played a crucial role as development and production partners, underscoring strong collaboration between research institutions and Indian industry.

Senior officials from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, along with DRDO scientists and industry representatives, witnessed the test launch. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved, stating that the success reflects India’s technological strength and commitment to defence self-reliance.

Part of a Broader Defence Modernisation Drive

The Pralay missile test is part of a broader series of advancements in India’s missile and rocket systems, including long-range guided rockets, ballistic missiles, and air defence platforms. Over the past few years, India has steadily expanded its indigenous defence capabilities, reducing dependence on imports while enhancing operational readiness across all domains.

Earlier tests of Pralay in 2025 validated its range, accuracy, and subsystem performance, and the latest salvo launch further confirms the missile’s suitability for induction into the armed forces.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s successful salvo launch of two indigenous Pralay missiles off the Odisha coast marks a decisive advancement in the country’s defence preparedness and technological maturity. The back-to-back firing from a single mobile launcher not only validates the missile’s accuracy, reliability, and manoeuvrability but also demonstrates a critical operational capability—rapid-response precision strikes. Designed as a short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile, Pralay strengthens India’s ability to neutralise high-value enemy targets such as airbases, command centres, and logistics hubs, while its advanced guidance systems make interception significantly more difficult. This test reinforces confidence in the system’s readiness for operational deployment under real battlefield conditions.

Beyond the technical achievement, the Pralay missile programme reflects the deeper transformation underway in India’s defence ecosystem. The collaboration between DRDO laboratories and Indian defence public sector units highlights the growing synergy between research, industry, and the armed forces under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. As part of a broader defence modernisation drive, this successful trial underscores India’s steady shift towards self-reliance, reduced import dependence, and enhanced conventional deterrence. The Pralay missile’s progress signals not just an addition to the arsenal, but a clear statement of India’s intent to build credible, indigenous, and future-ready defence capabilities.

(Sources: India Today, Moneycontrol, Economic Times)