Tactical ballistic missile Pralay and long-range Pinaka rocket system will be showcased at the upcoming Republic Day parade in the Capital, focusing on indigenously developed systems.
About Pralay
- Type: Short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile.
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Payload Capacity: 500-1,000 kg.
- Propulsion: Powered by solid fuel.
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About Ballistic Missiles
- Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled weapons that follow a high-arching trajectory, delivering warheads over long distances.
- Types of Ballistic Missiles (Based on Range)
- Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM): Range up to 1,000 km.
- Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM): Range between 1,000–3,000 km.
- Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM): Range between 3,000–5,500 km.
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM): Range greater than 5,500 km.
- Mechanism: They are guided during the initial boost phase but follow a free-fall trajectory afterward.
- Usage: Capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads, used for strategic and tactical operations.
- Ballistic Missiles of India:
- Prithvi Series: Short-range tactical ballistic missiles.
- Agni Series: Medium to intercontinental ballistic missiles (Agni-V range > 5,000 km).
- Dhanush: Ship-launched ballistic missile.
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- Range: 150-500 km, placing it between:
- Prithvi missile (150-350 km range).
- Agni series (700-8,000 km range).
- Quasi-Ballistic Characteristics:
- Functions as a ballistic missile with a low trajectory hyperbolic flight path.
- Warheads can maneuver during the terminal phase like a cruise missile.
- Designed to evade anti-missile defence systems with thrust vector control (jet vane system) for evasive manoeuvres.
- Stealth Features: Equipped with two sets of small fins to reduce radar signature.
About Pinaka Missile System
- Type: Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system.
- Developed by: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory.
- Capabilities:
- Launches a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
- Can program all 12 rockets in a maximum of 20 seconds.
Neutralises a 700 x 500 square metre area within 48 seconds.
- Range:
- Pinaka Mk1: 40 km range with multiple ammunition types.
- Enhanced range version: Over 75 km (successfully tested by DRDO).
- Features:
- “Shoot and scoot” capability enables quick relocation to evade counter-battery fire.
- Equipped with an onboard Inertial Navigation System (INS) for precise targeting and faster deployment.
- Global Presence: Armenia became the first export customer for Pinaka.
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Significance
- Both systems highlight India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
- Their presence at the Republic Day parade underscores the importance of indigenously developed tactical and strategic weaponry.
22 Jan 2025
