For Prelims: Quasi-Ballistic Missile, User Evaluation Trials, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Missile Name, Missile Type, Developed By, Launch Site, Launch Date & Time
For Mains: Indigenous defence production, Atmanirbhar Bharat, DRDO achievements, missile technology
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO.
- Its successful flight test was conducted on November 5, 2026.
- The launch site was Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- The trial was part of user evaluation trials.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on the success.
Why in the news?
DRDO successfully flight-tested the indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on November 5, 2026, as part of user evaluation trials. The test met all objectives, marking a major step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Summary
- Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile indigenously developed by DRDO.
- The flight test was conducted from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
- User evaluation trials validate the missile’s performance for potential induction into the armed forces.
Highlights
Successful Flight Test
DRDO conducted a successful user evaluation trial of the indigenous quasi-ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ from Odisha.
All Objectives Met
The missile met all stipulated test objectives, confirmed by data from multiple range instruments.
Boost to Indigenous Defence
The trial marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
Background
‘Pralay’ is a short-range quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO under India’s indigenous missile development programme. It is designed to strike enemy targets with high precision and is capable of manoeuvring in flight, making it harder to intercept. The missile complements India’s existing arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Key Analysis and Impact
The successful user evaluation trial brings ‘Pralay’ closer to induction into the Indian Armed Forces. User evaluation trials are the final stage before operational clearance, involving real-world scenarios. This missile enhances India’s conventional strike capability, especially along the borders, and reduces dependence on foreign weapon systems.
Way Forward
Post successful user trials, the missile is expected to receive clearance for series production and induction. It will strengthen the Army’s and Air Force’s strike options. Continued development of such systems aligns with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing.
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Quasi-Ballistic Missile
- A missile that follows a ballistic trajectory but can manoeuvre during flight, making it harder to intercept compared to a purely ballistic missile.
- User Evaluation Trials
- The final stage of missile testing conducted by the end-user (armed forces) to validate performance in operational conditions before induction.
- Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
- A missile testing facility of DRDO located in Odisha, used for flight trials of various missiles.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: Missile name ‘Pralay’, type ‘quasi-ballistic’, launch date November 5, 2026
- Nodal Body: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may confuse ‘Pralay’ with other DRDO missiles (e.g., Prithvi, Agni, Prahaar) or misstate its type as ‘ballistic’ instead of ‘quasi-ballistic’. They may also swap the launch site with another range like Chandipur or Wheeler Island.
Write these in mains answers
- Indigenous defence production, Atmanirbhar Bharat, DRDO achievements, missile technology
Stuck? Get it in one tap
DRDO tested a new Indian missile called Pralay from an island in Odisha. It is a special type of missile that can change direction mid-flight, making it hard to stop. The test was successful and brings the missile one step closer to being used by the Army.
- Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO.
- Its successful flight test was conducted on November 5, 2026.
- The launch site was Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- The trial was part of user evaluation trials.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on the success.
- Science and Technology: Defence technology and missiles
- Security: Indigenous defence production and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Related concepts: Quasi-Ballistic Missile, User Evaluation Trials, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which organisation developed the ‘Pralay’ missile?
Explanation: The Pralay missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ISRO handles space research, HAL is an aerospace manufacturer, and BEL is an electronics company; none of these develop missiles like Pralay.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements:
- 1.The Pralay missile is a quasi-ballistic missile indigenously developed by DRDO.
- 2.The flight test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
- 3.The trial was conducted as part of user evaluation trials.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO. Statement 2 is incorrect because the launch was from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, not from ITR Chandipur (though ITR Chandipur deployed range instruments). Statement 3 is correct as it was a user evaluation trial. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
On which date was the successful flight test of the Pralay missile conducted?
Explanation: The flight test was conducted on November 5, 2026. October 5 and December 5 are different months; November 15 is a different date within the same month.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary significance of the successful user evaluation trial of the Pralay missile?
Explanation: User evaluation trials are the final stage before operational clearance, so success brings Pralay closer to induction. Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile, not a cruise missile; it has nothing to do with satellite launches; and it is a short-range missile, not an ICBM.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Pralay missile?
Pralay is a short-range quasi-ballistic missile indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
2. When and where was the Pralay missile tested?
It was flight-tested on November 5, 2026 at 11:10 a.m. from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
3. What is a user evaluation trial?
It is the final stage of missile testing conducted by the armed forces to validate performance in operational conditions before induction.
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Original5 November 2026 · Read story
Merged5 November 2026 · Read story
