Science & Tech 05 November 2026
DRDO Successfully Test-Fires Indigenous 'Pralay' Quasi-Ballistic Missile Off Odisha Coast
Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (**DRDO**) successfully test-fired the indigenous surface-to-surface **Pralay quasi-ballistic missile** from Launch Complex-3 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Test Parameters & Safety Measures:
- Test Date: **November 3, 2026**.
- Successfully engaged two simulated targets at a range of approximately **500 kilometers**.
- A 595 km NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was enforced, and over 2,500 residents from nearby villages were evacuated as a safety precaution.
- Specifications & Capabilities:
- Type: Surface-to-surface, solid-propellant, short-range **quasi-ballistic missile** with an operational range of 150 km to 500 km.
- Trajectory & Velocity: Unlike fixed parabolic trajectories of traditional ballistic missiles, Pralay maintains a lower trajectory, performs mid-course and terminal maneuvers, and achieves hypersonic speeds up to **Mach 5 (~6,174 km/h)**.
- Payload & Guidance: Capable of carrying conventional warheads weighing between 500 kg and 1,000 kg; equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (**INS**) and Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for precision targeting.
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Static GK Facts:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
- Established: **1958** | Headquarters: **New Delhi** | Nodal Ministry: **Ministry of Defence**.
- Current Chairman (Additional Charge): **Rajesh Kumar Singh** (1989-batch IAS officer and Defence Secretary, who assumed additional charge on May 31, 2026, following the retirement of Dr. Samir V. Kamat).
- Integrated Test Range (ITR):
- Located at: **Chandipur, Balasore district, Odisha**.
- Quasi-Ballistic Missile Concept:
- A missile that flies on a lower trajectory than a standard ballistic missile and retains the ability to maneuver in-flight, making detection and interception extremely challenging for anti-missile defense systems.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which indigenous quasi-ballistic missile was recently test-fired by DRDO from ITR Chandipur?
A: Pralay
Q: What is the maximum strike range of the 'Pralay' quasi-ballistic missile?
A: 500 kilometers (Range: 150 km to 500 km)
Q: Who currently holds the additional charge as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?
A: Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary)
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