DRDO completes Pralay missile user evaluation flight off Odisha

The Defence Research and Development Organisation tested Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on 5 November 2026. The launch took place at approximately 11:10 am IST during user evaluation trials. Instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur recorded the flight, and the test data showed that the trial met its objectives. Defence personnel, industry representatives and officials from the research organisation were present.

Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad developed the missile with other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Bharat Dynamics Limited, a development and production partner, manufactured the system used in the trial. Pralay is a surface-to-surface missile with a solid-propellant motor and a quasi-ballistic trajectory. The trial was part of evaluating the system for use by the armed forces, and its success marked progress towards induction.

Facts to remember

• Trial date and launch time: 5 November 2026, about 11:10 am IST.
• Launch site: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha; test instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
• Development lead: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad; production partner: Bharat Dynamics Limited.
• The maiden Pralay flight test took place from the same island on 22 December 2021.

Background

Earlier testing established Pralay as an indigenous surface-to-surface missile. The first flight was used to test guidance and control as well as performance along the intended flight path. Later testing included consecutive launches from a single launcher on 31 December 2025. The November 2026 flight was conducted at the user evaluation stage. For revision, the first flight and the later user trial are distinct milestones.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Science and general knowledge, revise indigenous defence technology, key research and production institutions, and the locations used for testing.