Indian Army boosts Pralay missile procurement amid Pakistan tensions. Know Pralay’s features, strategic impact, and why it matters for competitive exam aspirants.

Pralay Missile: India’s Tactical Gamechanger – Daily GK Update for March 2025

As part of the latest current affairs March 2025 and Atharva Examwise current news, the Indian Army has decided to procure additional units of the indigenously developed Pralay missile. This move comes at a critical time, with escalating tensions along the borders with Pakistan and China, and marks a significant leap in India’s conventional strike capabilities1810.

What is the Pralay Missile?

Pralay is a tactical, quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile developed by DRDO. Designed for battlefield use, it fills a crucial gap in India’s arsenal by providing a high-speed, high-impact conventional missile option, without breaching India’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy1212.

Key Features of Pralay Missile

Range: 150–500 km, making it the Army’s longest-range surface-to-surface missile2312.

Payload: 500–1,000 kg; can carry various conventional warheads (high-explosive, PCB, RDPS)2312.

Trajectory: Quasi-ballistic, with the ability to maneuver mid-flight, making interception by enemy air defences extremely difficult1412.

Accuracy: Circular Error Probability (CEP) of less than 10 meters, ensuring pinpoint strikes24.

Mobility: Can be launched from mobile platforms (Ashok Leyland 12×12 HMV), enabling rapid deployment and flexibility112.

Speed: Terminal speeds up to Mach 6.1, allowing it to hit targets swiftly2.

All-weather, day-night capability: Advanced guidance and thermal imaging systems allow operations even at night or in adverse weather48.

Development: Sanctioned in 2015 with a budget of ₹332.88 crore, integrating tech from Prithvi Defence Vehicle and Prahaar missile programs112.

Why is Pralay in the News? – Competitive Exam News

Strategic Procurement: The Indian Army and Air Force have already placed orders for 370 Pralay missiles, with plans to acquire more units to bolster operational readiness148.

Republic Day Debut: Pralay was showcased for the first time during the 2025 Republic Day parade, signaling its operational readiness and India’s technological prowess11012.

Regional Deterrence: With its range, Pralay can target critical enemy infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and China, including command centers, airstrips, and logistical hubs148.

Conventional Strike Power: Unlike nuclear missiles, Pralay provides India with a flexible, high-impact conventional option for deep strikes, supporting India’s defensive doctrine134.

Pralay vs. BrahMos: How Do They Compare?

Key Takeaways – Daily GK Update

Pralay is India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, designed for rapid, precise, and deep conventional strikes1234.

It can evade enemy radar and air defences due to its unpredictable flight path1412.

The missile strengthens India’s deterrence against both Pakistan and China, especially along sensitive borders148.

Pralay’s induction supports India’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy by providing a powerful non-nuclear strike option134.

Its integration with artillery units will allow the Indian Army to target enemy assets deep within hostile territory14.

Why This Matters for Exams

For UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams, understanding the Pralay missile’s features, strategic significance, and recent developments is crucial for current affairs March 2025 and daily GK update. The induction of Pralay marks a transformative step in India’s military modernization and strategic deterrence, making it a likely topic in upcoming exam questions on defence, technology, and international relations.

Stay updated with Atharva Examwise current news for more such high-impact developments in defence and national security.