500-km range, 1,000-kg payload: India test-fires quasi-ballistic missile Pralay

India on Thursday successfully flight-tested its indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile Pralay off the Odisha coast, marking another significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities and enhance military preparedness.The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island at around 11:10 am on November 5, 2026, as part of user evaluation trials.According to the Defence Ministry, all test objectives were successfully met, with data captured by various range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, confirming the missile's performance.The successful trial has brought the system closer to its induction into the armed forces, with the ministry stating that "the induction of the system has become imminent". Pralay is an indigenously developed short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional warheads.It has a strike range of 150 to 500 kilometres and a payload capacity of 500 to 1,000 kg. The missile uses solid propellant technology and incorporates advanced guidance and navigation systems to ensure high precision. It is also capable of carrying multiple types of warheads to engage different categories of targets.The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), one of the development-cum-production partners, has manufactured the system. The flight-test was witnessed by senior DRDO officials, representatives from the defence industry and members of the Defence Forces.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the armed forces and industry partners on the successful test.He said the missile, equipped with advanced technologies, would further enhance the technological capabilities and operational preparedness of the military in addressing emerging threats.In a post on X, Singh described the successful trial as "another significant milestone" in strengthening India's indigenous defence capabilities.DRDO successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Pralay Missile off the coast of Odisha today at 1110 hrs. The test was conducted as part of user evaluation trials and successfully met all the stipulated objectives, as validated by data captured through various range instruments. This successful trial marks another significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 5, 2026He also confirmed that the test had met all stipulated objectives, as validated by data recorded through the range instruments.Defence Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, as well as DRDO Chairman, Rajesh Kumar Singh, also congratulated the teams involved in the successful flight-test.The latest trial is an important step towards the operational deployment of Pralay, reflecting India's continued focus on developing indigenous missile systems and reducing dependence on foreign defence technologies.With user evaluation trials progressing successfully, the system is now expected to move closer to induction into the armed forces, further strengthening India's conventional strike capabilities.- EndsWith agency inputs