Description

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Context:

Pralay missile's inclusion highlights India's growing strength in Indigenous defence technology.

About Pralay Missile

Feature	Details
About	Indigenously developed short-range surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile
Developer	Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Base Technology	Based on the Prithvi defense vehicle of India's ballistic missile program
Deployment Purpose	Designed for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC)
Engine	Solid propellant rocket engine
Range	150-500 km
Launcher Type	Mobile launcher
Warhead Type	Conventional warheads
Guidance System	Circular Error Probability (CEP) of less than 10 meters
Terminal Velocity	March 6.1
Target Capabilities	Radar facilities, command centers, airstrips
Trajectory Change Ability	Can change its trajectory after covering a certain range in the air

Types of Missiles in India

Category	Missile/System	Range/Capability	Primary Features
Ballistic Missiles	Agni Range	Short to Intercontinental (700–5000+ km)	Primarily nuclear weapons capability.
	Prithvi Series	Short Range (150–350 km)	Tactical surface-to-surface strikes.
	K Series	Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)	Enhances second-strike capability.
Cruise Missiles	BrahMos	Supersonic, Universal (Land, Sea, Air platforms)	High speed and accuracy.
	Nirbhay	Subsonic, Long Range (1000 km)	Terrain-hugging capability to avoid radar detection.
Anti-Ballistic Missiles	Prithvi Air Defense (PAD)	Designed for high-altitude interception	Intercepts ballistic missiles at high altitude.
	Advanced Air Defense (AAD)	Designed for low-altitude interception	Forms a two-layer defensive shield along with PAD.
Surface-to-Air Missiles	Akash	Medium Range (up to 30 km)	Targets aerial threats such as aircraft and missiles.
	Barak-8	Medium Range	Jointly developed with Israel; capable of intercepting various aerial threats.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles	Nag	Designed to destroy armored targets	Variants include HELINA (helicopter-launched).
	MPATGM	Short Range	Portable and flexible for infantry use.
Tactical Missiles	Shaurya	Hypersonic, Medium Range	High speed, low radar signature, nuclear-capable.
	Prahaar	Short Range	Fast-reacting battlefield support missile.

Source:

INDIA TODAY

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the evolution and strategic significance of missile systems in India. How do India's indigenous missile programs contribute to its national security and regional influence? (150 words)