Defence Ministry clears proposal to buy Pralay ballistic missiles for Army

It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations

Pralay Missile

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry has approved the proposal of buying a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the Indian Army. 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 can strike targets at 150–500 km, and are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon.

Sources told Defence Watch, 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 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.

(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)