Pralay is a surface-to-surface missile with a ballistic trajectory and can reach from 150 to 500 kilometre, it was designed to be able to defeat interceptor missiles and have the ability to change its path after flying a certain distance

The Defence Ministry has approved the purchase of approximately 120 Pralay ballistic missiles for the Indian armed forces, which will deploy them along India's borders with China and Pakistan.

At the moment, the Pralay ballistic missiles can reach targets from 150 to 500 kilometres away and are extremely difficult for the enemy to intercept using interceptor missiles.

“A high-level Defence Ministry meeting approved the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders,” senior defence sources said.

The acquisition of these ballistic missiles is viewed as a significant step forward for the country, which now has a policy that allows the use of ballistic missiles in tactical roles.

China and Pakistan both have ballistic missiles for tactical purposes. According to the sources, the missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation is being further developed and its range can be significantly extended if the forces desire it.

The missile system began development around 2015 and the late Gen Bipin Rawat, as Chief of Army Staff, pushed for the development of such a capability.

Last year, on 21 and 22 December, the missile was successfully tested twice on consecutive days.

Pralay is a surface-to-surface missile with a ballistic trajectory. The advanced missile was designed to be able to defeat interceptor missiles. It has the ability to change its path after flying a certain distance.

‘Pralay’ is propelled by a solid propellant rocket motor and other cutting-edge technologies. The missile guidance system incorporates cutting-edge navigation and integrated avionics.

The missile would be first deployed by the Indian Air Force, followed by the Indian Army.

The proposal was approved by the Defence Ministry, paving the way for manufacturing and induction into the armed forces.

According to defence experts, such a missile system could be used to target long-range enemy air defence systems as well as other high-value installations and weaponry.

The proposal to introduce these missiles comes at a time when the defence forces are working to establish a dedicated rocket force capable of taking out enemy targets from a long distance. The Chinese military already has a rocket division.