Defence ministry clears proposal to buy Pralay ballistic missiles for Army

By: TP News Date: 9/17/2023 10:54:42 PM

New Delhi:

The Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal of buying a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the Indian Army which can strike targets at 150–500 km. It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations, according to senior defence officials.

The Pralay missiles are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon, the officials added.

As per information, the acquisition of these missiles is part of a broader strategy to develop a strategic rocket force, a concept advocated by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

This development comes after the recent remarks of Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, who said General Rawat had been working on the creation of a rocket force to counter enemies on the border.

The missile was successfully tested twice on two consecutive days last December, and the forces have been working towards its acquisition and induction ever since.

The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army's offensive capabilities.