Pralay and Pinaka Missile System

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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• 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.