DRDO Successfully Tests Pralay Missile Off Odisha Coast

DRDO successfully tests India's indigenous Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off Odisha at 11:10 AM on November 5, 2026, advancing military induction.

India's quasi-ballistic missile completes user evaluation trial at 11:10 AM, with all stipulated test objectives successfully achieved.

India has achieved another important milestone in indigenous defence technology after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of its homegrown Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off the Odisha coast on November 5, 2026.

The missile was test-fired from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island at approximately 11:10 AM as part of user evaluation trials. According to the Ministry of Defence, all stipulated objectives were successfully achieved, with performance confirmed through data collected by various range instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

The successful trial brings the missile system closer to induction into the Indian Armed Forces.

Pralay Missile: An Indigenous Defence Development

Pralay is an indigenously developed surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile designed to deliver conventional warheads against designated targets.

The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), one of the development-cum-production partners, has manufactured the missile system.

The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and advanced guidance and navigation technologies designed to support high-precision operations.

According to the Ministry of Defence's original development announcement in December 2021, Pralay has a reported operational range of approximately 150 to 500 kilometres and can be launched from a mobile launcher.

What Makes Pralay a Quasi-Ballistic Missile?

Unlike conventional ballistic missiles that generally follow a more predictable ballistic trajectory, a quasi-ballistic missile is designed to follow a lower and potentially manoeuvrable flight path.

Pralay combines ballistic missile propulsion with the ability to make changes to its flight trajectory.

Such manoeuvrability is intended to make its flight path less predictable and can complicate the response of opposing air-defence systems.

Its advanced guidance and navigation systems are designed to improve accuracy when engaging designated targets.

What Are User Evaluation Trials?

User evaluation trials are an important stage in the process of introducing a defence system into military service.

During these trials, the system is evaluated against requirements specified by its intended military users.

The process helps assess whether the equipment meets operational expectations under relevant testing conditions.

The November 5 trial was conducted in the presence of senior DRDO officials, industry representatives and members of the Defence Forces.

The Defence Ministry confirmed that all test objectives were met through data recorded by the range instruments.

Following the successful trial, the ministry stated that induction of the missile system had become imminent.

DRDO and India's Defence Manufacturing Industry

The Pralay programme also highlights cooperation between government research institutions and India's defence manufacturing industry.

DRDO has been responsible for developing the missile through Research Centre Imarat and other laboratories, while Bharat Dynamics Limited has contributed to its production as a development-cum-production partner.

Such collaborations are important for expanding domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, strengthening technical expertise and reducing dependence on imported military equipment.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Congratulates DRDO

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Defence Forces and industry partners on the successful flight test.

He stated that the missile's advanced technologies would further enhance India's technological capabilities and strengthen the operational preparedness of the military against emerging threats.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the teams involved in the successful trial.

A Further Step Towards Indigenous Defence Capabilities

The successful Pralay flight test represents another development in India's efforts to strengthen its domestic missile technology and defence manufacturing ecosystem.

With the completion of the latest user evaluation trial, the system has moved closer to its expected induction into the Armed Forces.

The development also demonstrates the growing role of Indian research institutions and domestic manufacturers in producing advanced defence systems.

By News National Editorial Team

Sources and references

1. Primary official source: Press Information Bureau – Ministry of Defence, November 5, 2026 — Confirms the successful flight test, launch time, location, participating organisations and user evaluation trial.

2. DRDO's original development announcement: PIB – Pralay missile maiden flight test, December 22, 2021 — Development history, 150–500 km range and technical background.

3. Previous evaluation trials: PIB – Two consecutive Pralay missile tests, July 2025.

4. Previous salvo test: PIB – Two Pralay missiles launched in quick succession, December 31, 2025.

5. Additional reporting: The New Indian Express – Pralay clears user trial; induction imminent.