What happened?
On July 28 and 29, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out two consecutive flight tests of the PRALAY missile from Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. These launches were part of the User Evaluation Trials conducted to validate the missile’s full operational envelope, including its maximum and minimum range performance. According to DRDO, both missiles followed their planned trajectories accurately and hit their targets with high precision. The tests met all mission objectives, confirming the system’s operational readiness and reliability for battlefield deployment.
Why it matters to India
The successful trials of PRALAY mark a major step in strengthening India’s tactical strike capabilities. Designed for the Indian Army and Air Force, the missile offers a potent conventional response under India’s No First Use nuclear policy. With a range of 150 to 500 km and the ability to carry conventional warheads of 350 to 700 kg, PRALAY is well-suited for targeting enemy infrastructure such as command centres, logistics hubs, and airbases. Equipped with a solid-fuel rocket motor, advanced avionics, and a twin-launcher system mounted on a mobile platform, the missile ensures rapid deployment and precision strikes. These features make PRALAY a critical asset in enhancing India’s deterrence posture and readiness along sensitive borders.