New Delhi: India has achieved another milestone in strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities with the successful flight test of the Pralay surface-to-surface missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful trial on Thursday, stating that the missile was tested off the Odisha coast at 11.10 am as part of user evaluation trials.
According to the Defence Minister, the missile successfully met all the prescribed objectives. Data recorded by various range instrumentation systems confirmed the successful completion of the test.
Singh described the achievement as another important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and enhancing the country’s military preparedness.
The Pralay missile is an indigenously developed tactical weapon system designed to provide precision strike capabilities. Its successful evaluation marks progress in India’s efforts to develop advanced missile technologies and reduce dependence on foreign defence systems.
DRDO Advances High-Altitude Platform Technology
The latest missile trial follows another important achievement by DRDO last month, when it successfully tested its indigenous High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS), demonstrating its ability to operate in the stratosphere.
During the experimental flight, the platform reached an altitude of 21 kilometres above mean sea level and maintained an altitude of approximately 20 kilometres for more than 30 minutes before being directed to descend.
The system was subsequently recovered safely, while flight performance data was collected and analysed.
The trial demonstrated the platform’s potential for long-duration operations in the stratosphere, which could support persistent surveillance, communication networks and monitoring activities.
Real-time video footage and vehicle performance information were continuously transmitted to the ground control station during the flight.
The platform carried several onboard systems, including an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, cameras and altitude-control mechanisms. These components functioned as intended during the experimental mission.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The HAPS trial was conducted with the participation of several agencies, including the Indian Air Force, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.
Together, the successful Pralay missile evaluation and the HAPS demonstration underline DRDO’s continuing efforts to expand India’s indigenous defence technology portfolio.
These developments reflect the country’s growing emphasis on advanced weapon systems, strategic surveillance capabilities and technological self-reliance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
