CHANDIPUR, ODISHA — India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Pralay quasi-ballistic missile on November 3, 2026, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) near Chandipur, Odisha.
The surface-to-surface missile was launched from Launchpad No. 3 and successfully engaged two designated artificial targets located approximately 500 km away. The test assessed the missile’s performance and precision during flight.
Pralay Missile: Range, Speed and Capabilities
Developed indigenously by DRDO, Pralay is a solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile designed to engage a range of military targets. It uses advanced guidance and navigation systems to achieve high precision.
The missile has an operational range of 150 to 500 km and can carry payloads weighing between 350 and 1,000 kg. Its payload capacity allows it to accommodate different warhead configurations.
Pralay follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, allowing it to manoeuvre during flight, including in the terminal phase. This can make interception by air defence systems more difficult.
The missile is reported to have reached Mach 5, approximately 6,174 km/h, during Tuesday’s test. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for the test covered a designated range of 595 km, although the reported target distance was around 500 km.
Evacuation and Safety Arrangements
Ahead of the test, local authorities carried out temporary evacuations as a safety measure. More than 2,500 residents living within a two-kilometre radius of the test facility in Balasore district were moved to safe shelters.
Authorities arranged food, drinking water and other essential supplies for the evacuated residents and their domestic animals until the test was completed.
Pralay Missile Development and Induction
The Pralay missile has been developed primarily by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with several other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
The missile is designed for induction into the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. It is launched from a mobile 12×12 high-mobility vehicle, allowing the system to operate from different locations.
Earlier user evaluation trials included the successful launch of two Pralay missiles in a salvo from the same launcher in December 2025.
The latest test adds to the missile’s development and evaluation programme as it moves towards induction into the Indian Armed Forces. Detailed evaluation of the November 3 test data is currently underway.
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