Salvo Launch Demonstrates Pralay’s Twin-Launcher Survivability

Pralay Twin Container Launcher

DRDO successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha at about 1030 hrs on December 31, 2025. The flight test was conducted as part of User Evaluation Trials. Both missiles followed the intended trajectory and met all flight objectives, as confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

Significance of the Salvo Launch

The launch of two missiles from the same launcher indicates that the system employed a twin-tube launcher.

The Pralay system uses containerised missiles that can be erected vertically for launch from an autonomous launcher. A 12×12 launcher features two missile containers, while an 8×8 launcher carries a single container, supported by a Battery Command Centre (BCC) vehicle that serves as the communication hub.

The system uses a high-mobility wheeled Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) developed by Ashok Leyland in collaboration with DRDO.

When using the twin-launcher platform, the ability to launch both missiles in quick succession is critical to launcher survivability. Any significant delay in firing the second missile would expose the launcher to counter-battery fire.

It is reported that the Pralay system can be ready for launch within 10 minutes of arrival at a firing position, with a 60-second transition from command to launch, underscoring its quick-reaction capability. It can be reasonably assumed that a similar timeframe would be required to “scoot” after a “shoot.”

Earlier Tests

Pralay was last tested on July 29, 2025. On that occasion, DRDO conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of the missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on July 28 and 29, 2025.

These flight tests, aimed at validating the missile system’s maximum and minimum range capabilities, were also carried out as part of User Evaluation Trials.

Outstanding Features

Powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, the missile follows a flattened trajectory within the atmosphere, reducing radar detection range.

A DRDO official told Janes during Aero India 2023 that the missile can carry three types of warheads—pre-fragmented (PF), monolithic penetration-cum-blast (PCB), and submunition PCB—and is capable of striking targets at ranges between 150 and 400 km.

The missile navigates to its target using inertial navigation combined with SATNAV guidance and can be controlled throughout its flight. It employs DSMAC (Digital Scene Mapping and Correlation) for terminal guidance, achieving a CEP (Circular Error Probability) of approximately 10 metres. This accuracy allows effective engagement of command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) nodes; radar installations; airfields; oil refineries; and ammunition depots.

The missile is difficult for an adversary to intercept due to its high terminal speed, quasi-ballistic trajectory, and ability to perform evasive manoeuvres during the terminal phase.

The Pralay missile also features two sets of small fins designed to reduce its radar signature.

Mobility

DRDO has stated that Pralay missiles are canisterised and can be erected vertically for launch from an autonomous launcher, enhancing mobility and survivability.

Indigenous Targeting System

It has recently been reported that Pralay uses INDIGIS, a fully indigenous mapping and location system developed by DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru.

CAIR transferred the INDIGIS platform technology to Bengaluru-based Microgenesis Techsoft Pvt Ltd through a commercial transfer-of-technology (ToT) agreement. Microgenesis subsequently modified and upgraded the INDIGIS software suite to meet the specific requirements of the Pralay missile.

Development Timeline

According to ANI, development of the Pralay missile began in 2015. The missile is expected to be inducted first into the Indian Air Force, followed by the Indian Army.

ANI reported on December 25, 2022, that the Ministry of Defence had cleared the procurement of approximately 120 Pralay ballistic missiles for the Indian armed forces.

Procurement Status

In January 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) reportedly approved the acquisition of one Pralay regiment for the Indian Army. The DAC had earlier approved the acquisition of the missile by the Indian Air Force.

Enhanced Variant

On September 28, 2024, The Times of India reported that DRDO is working on enhancing the range, accuracy, and lethality of the conventional Pralay ballistic missile.

Why SPICE-1000 Will Augment, Not Replace, DRDO’s Gaurav Glide Bomb

SPICE-1000 Glide Bomb Kit at Aero India 2015

The DAC recently approved the procurement of SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The PIB press release announcing the DAC approval stated, “SPICE-1000 will enhance the long-range precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force.”

The SPICE-1000 is a glide-cum-navigation kit that can be fitted to a dumb 1,000 lb general-purpose penetrator bomb to convert it into a long-range PGM, much like the UMPK kits that Russian forces are using extensively in Ukraine.

Notably, DRDO is developing and has tested its own glide bomb kits. This raises the question: why does the IAF need to procure SPICE-1000 kits from Israel, particularly when the imported kits are woefully expensive?

SPICE-1000 Glide Kits

The SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) 1000 kits are equipped with a mid-body fold-out wing assembly and a rear cruciform tail control fin set for gliding; INS and SATNAV for mid-course navigation; and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) guidance for target acquisition and terminal homing.

The IAF has earlier acquired SPICE-2000 bomb kits and SPICE-250 bombs and used them operationally to strike terrorist camps in Balakot.

All three SPICE variants are equipped with an Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA) capability—an autonomous electro-optic scene-matching technology designed to overcome GPS jamming, navigation errors, and target location inaccuracies when engaging fixed targets. On approach to the target, the scene-matching algorithm compares the electro-optical image received in real time via the weapon seeker with mission reference data stored in the weapon’s onboard computer.

The EO/GPS-guided seeker in the SPICE kit or bomb has a CEP of less than 3 m in day/night and adverse weather conditions. The seeker is two-way data-linked to the launch or control aircraft (which may be different platforms).

The kit gives the 1,000 lb penetrator bomb a range of up to 125 km from the release point.

SPICE Kit Operational Capability

Either on the ground or in the air, the bomb can be programmed with up to 100 different mission profiles, including target coordinates, desired terminal glide and azimuth angles, topographical data, and target imagery.

Before release, the pilot selects the mission profile. Depending on the release altitude and the selected profile, the SPICE-1000 bomb may be released up to 125 km away from the target.

Following release, the weapon autonomously glides toward the target.

As it approaches the target, the seeker uses scene-matching algorithms to compare the EO sensor image with the stored target image and identify the target.

Once the target is identified, the weapon autonomously homes onto it, adjusting its flight path to achieve the desired impact angle and azimuth.

If the target is obscured, the bomb reverts to GPS guidance.

Via the datalink, the pilot or WSO can view the seeker image on the cockpit TV/IIR display and manually guide the bomb to the target using a joystick.

If the target is obscured, precluding both scene matching and manual joystick guidance, and GPS signals in the target area are jammed, the bomb may deviate from its intended flight path.

DRDO Glide Bombs

In 2013, DRDO announced a project to develop glide bomb kits. Since then, DRDO has indigenously developed glide bomb warheads and glide kits for 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1,000 kg class bombs.

DRDO’s Gaurav Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, is a navigation and glide kit for the DRDO-developed 1,000 kg High Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bomb.

The Gaurav LRGB uses a combination of INS and SATNAV for both mid-course and terminal navigation. Reportedly, it can be fitted with a Semi-Active Laser Homing (SALH) seeker, which would require the target to be laser-illuminated by a high-flying drone.

Adani Defence and Bharat Forge are Development-cum-Production Partners for the bomb.

DRDO successfully conducted release trials of Gaurav during April 8–10, 2025, from a Su-30MKI.

Earlier, on August 13, 2024, DRDO carried out a successful maiden flight test of the bomb from an IAF Su-30MKI off the Odisha coast.

Gaurav is reported to have a range of 30–150 km, depending on release altitude. For maximum range, it typically needs to be released from around 10 km altitude.

During trials, it has demonstrated a maximum range of 100 km.

With laser illumination of the target, Gaurav can achieve pinpoint accuracy. Without laser illumination, accuracy is reduced.

A Su-30MKI fighter can carry Gaurav-kitted bombs on multiple stations.

Gaurav Limitations

Compared to the SPICE-1000, Gaurav kits have certain operational limitations—specifically, the lack of an EO seeker, which constrains mission planning, and the reliance on target illumination.

Once released from its carrier aircraft, a Gaurav bomb glides directly toward its target. Without stored target-area imagery, it cannot select attack geometry or approach direction in the way the SPICE-1000 can.

Gaurav’s reliance on target illumination makes it significantly less versatile than the SPICE-1000. A MALE drone equipped with a laser designator must loiter over the target area to guide the weapon, exposing the platform to adversary air-defence systems. In addition, atmospheric obscurants such as cloud cover, dust, or smoke can degrade or even prevent effective laser illumination.

Conclusion

A SPICE-1000 kit typically costs around $480,000. As such, it is not suitable for extensive use. The IAF would not be able to employ these kits as liberally as Russian forces have used UMPK kits in Ukraine. However, SPICE-1000 is essential when near-pinpoint accuracy is required.

Gaurav can also achieve pinpoint accuracy, but only when laser target illumination is available, which may not always be the case.

The optimal solution for the IAF is to acquire SPICE-1000 kits in limited numbers and Gaurav-1000 kits in larger quantities.

Russian UMPK kits—which, like Gaurav, lack EO seekers and rely exclusively on INS and SATNAV for guidance—have demonstrated acceptable accuracy, successfully striking bridges and buildings.

The UMPK kits use 8- or 12-node SATNAV modules that are resilient to EW spoofing and can achieve accuracy comparable to military SATNAV signals.

Over time, DRDO is expected to upgrade the Gaurav-1000 kits with EO seekers and advanced mission-profiling capabilities.

From PL-15E to Astra Mk-2: How Chinese Missile Technology May Shape India’s Next-Gen AAM

ChatGPT generated image of a Su-30MKI launching an Astra Mk-2

The DAC on December 29, 2025, accorded AoN for the procurement of the Astra Mk-2 missile for the IAF. The PIB press release announcing the AoN stated, “Astra Mk-II missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff ranges.”

The AoN likely indicates that the development work has been completed and the missile is ready for flight testing.

ANI reported on April 17, 2024, quoting defence officials, that work on developing the 120–130 km strike range Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missile is ongoing.

Development History

Development of the Astra Mk-2 started in 2014.

Following the maiden test of the Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missile on May 4, 2014, DRDO announced that it was already working on a Mk-2 variant of the Astra missile with greater range.

Astra was initially conceived as a 44 km range missile with “high single-shot kill probability,” while its Mk-2 version was projected as being capable of striking adversary aircraft over 100 km away.

However, both missiles are reported to have longer ranges in media reports.

Missile Range

According to documents from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which manufactures the Astra missile, the range of the Astra Mk-1 missile is 80–110 km.

The range of an air-to-air missile varies significantly based on launch conditions such as altitude and target aspect, with the maximum typically cited around 110 km in head-on engagements.

Planned tests of the Astra Mk-1 missile included launches at:

15 km altitude with a 90–110 km range

30,000 ft altitude with a 44 km range

Sea level with a 30 km range

Astra Mk-2: Readiness for Flight Trials

Since 2020, there have been several reports that the Astra Mk-2 would soon be flight tested.

The Times of India reported in November 2020 that DRDO planned to begin testing the Mk-2 version of Astra, with a range of 160 km, in the first half of 2021.

In February 2021, ANI reported, quoting government officials, that trials of Astra Mk-2 would start in the second half of 2021 and that the missile would be fully developed by 2022.

The Times of India reported on May 7, 2022, that the Astra Mk-2 missile would be tested in May 2022.

Astra Mk-2 Features

The Astra Mk-2 features a dual-pulse motor that not only gives it greater range than the Astra Mk-1 missile but also makes it more energetic during end-game manoeuvring, increasing lethality and single-shot kill probability (SSKP).

The longer range of the Astra Mk-2 requires more advanced guidance and RF seeker capabilities than the Mk-1.

According to Wikipedia, the Mk-2 uses a fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG)-based inertial navigation system (INS) for initial trajectory management. It features a two-way data link from the launch aircraft or Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms.

For terminal homing, it uses a miniature AESA radar seeker.

Chinese PL-15E Features

In October 2025, Hindustan Times reported that DRDO specialists studied the AESA seeker of the export variant of the Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile launched by a PAF fighter during Operation Sindoor. The missile did not strike its target or self-detonate and crashed in Punjab near Hoshiarpur, with its seeker mostly intact.

Sources told Hindustan Times that analysis of the PL-15 seeker by DRDO scientists revealed several features that could enhance the capabilities of the Astra Mk-2’s AESA seeker. In addition to a more advanced seeker, the PL-15 features more advanced propellant capable of maintaining speeds exceeding Mach 5, as well as sophisticated anti-jamming capabilities.

It is highly likely that DRDO will tweak the existing Astra Mk-2 to incorporate advancements identified in the PL-15E missile. If that is the case, flight testing of the Mk-2 is unlikely to start soon. However, it is also possible that the IAF may choose to begin flight testing the missile even as DRDO works on a more advanced seeker

Long-Range Fires and Counter-Drone Defences Mark the Indian Army’s Transition to Modern Warfare

 

Maiden Test of Pinaka LRGR (Long Range Guided Rocket). Photo: DRDO

DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) on December 29, 2025, at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km and its in-flight maneuvering capability.

The PIB press release covering the launch states that “the LRGR impacted the target with textbook precision.”

Also on December 29, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of LRGR for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS). According to the PIB press release, the LRGR “will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS for effective engagement of high-value targets.”

In January 2025, the Indian Army had given DRDO an unofficial go-ahead to develop the 120 km range LRGR for the Pinaka MRLS, as well as a 300 km range rocket. (With 300 km range rockets, Pinaka would transition from classical rocket artillery to a quasi-tactical strike system.)

The Chief of the Army Staff (CAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, during his annual press briefing, confirmed that the DRDO, which had developed Pinaka unguided rockets with an extended 45 km range and Pinaka guided rockets with a 75 km range, has now been tasked with further extending MRLS rocket range, first to 120 km and then to 300 km.

He indicated that the Army would drop plans for other longer-range weapons if the DRDO was able to deliver longer-range Pinaka rockets.

General Dwivedi said, “As soon as we get longer ranges, we might drop plans for other alternate long-range weapons we are looking at and concentrate on it (Pinaka 3).”

The IA has also expressed interest in acquiring long-range kamikaze drones. It is likely that General Dwivedi was referring to them when he alluded to dropping other alternate long-range weapons.

The Indian Army is aggressively moving to upgrade the Pinaka MRLS with long-range guided rockets, likely driven by the effectiveness of long-range fires from MLRS systems such as Russia’s Tornado-S and the US HIMARS during the Ukraine war. It is heartening to see the DRDO responding proactively and moving aggressively to meet the Indian Army’s evolving requirements.

Current Pinaka System

The most advanced Pinaka MRLS variant currently operated by the Indian Army—the Pinaka Mk.2 Guided Pinaka Rocket System—can engage targets from 20 km to 80 km range with an accuracy of 30 m.

The Pinaka Mk.2 is a 214 mm calibre system. It can launch unguided rockets with a maximum range of either 40 km or 60 km, as well as Guided Pinaka rockets with a maximum range of 80 km.

Guided Pinaka rockets, also known as Enhanced Pinaka rockets, feature a 250 kg warhead, canard-based aerodynamic control, and guidance using a combination of Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Satellite Navigation (SATNAV).

The rocket’s SATNAV has been integrated with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)—the Indian version of the US Global Positioning System (GPS).

With the help of trajectory lofting and aerodynamic glide provided by the canards, the Guided Pinaka rocket can achieve a range of 80 km.

The Pinaka system capable of launching the LRGR is referred to as Pinaka Mk.3.

Pinaka Accuracy

DRDO claims that during trials, Guided Pinaka rockets have demonstrated an accuracy of as much as 10 m.

The claimed accuracy and range of the Guided Pinaka place it in the league of the US Army’s M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS).

The LRGR Pinaka rockets conform to the 214 mm calibre. The proposed 300 km range Pinaka rockets are expected to use a 300 mm calibre format to accommodate a larger propellant mass.

Additional IA Procurements

Besides LRGR, the DAC additionally accorded AoN for the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, and the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army.

Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR)

Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWRs) are used in mountainous areas to plug gaps in defence against adversary aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. The radar can detect a small fighter target at a range of around 50 km.

The MoD initially procured 19 Elta 2160 radars from Israel under the LLLWR requirement. A variant of the Elta 2160 is used with the SpyDer SAM system inducted into the IAF.

LLLWR 3D Aslesha is a DRDO-developed replacement for the Elta 2160.

Integrated Drone Defence System

The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II is a mobile, rapid-deployment system intended for the defence of vital points (VPs) such as ammunition depots.

The system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with the Armed Forces.

It comprises a sensor suite (radar, EO/IR, and passive RF detection) to detect and track drones, and directed energy weapons (DEWs) and RF jammers to neutralize them. The DEW reportedly has a range of 2 km.

The radar used in the sensor suite is an adaptation of the Dutch Flycatcher I/J/K-band fire-control radar used with CIWS and locally manufactured by BEL.

The DEW, developed by the Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), uses a gas-dynamic high-power laser developed under LASTEC’s Aditya project.

Conclusion

It is good to see the IA wholeheartedly embracing technology that the DRDO has been developing over the years.

Long-range rockets with a 120 km range, such as the US M270 MLRS and Russian Tornado-S, have proven to be very effective for interdiction and area denial. MLRS systems with 300 km range rockets, capable of striking airbases, industrial plants, and infrastructure deeper in the interior, possess strategic capabilities.

However, there are challenges associated with developing long-range MLRS systems that the DRDO would need to adequately address during development. These include:

1. Target detection and geolocation

2. Accurate and EW-resilient guidance

3. Evasion of counter-battery fire

Target detection and location require persistent surveillance using drones and satellites. India’s Ministry of Defence would need to acquire these in larger numbers than are currently available.

Adversary EW systems can compromise the accuracy of both SATNAV and INS. The INS on the rockets needs to be hardened against EW, and SATNAV needs to be made more resilient through the use of multiple antennas.

Finally, to evade counter-battery fire, MLRS systems need to be highly agile and capable of changing location very quickly after launching rockets. The IA would need high-mobility vehicles similar to those used with the US ATACMS system.

Micro-Doppler, Not Metal Grills: APS Takes on the Drone Threat

Image by @Grok

Russia's Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (JSC NPK KBM) in Kolomna has patented a new technique to safeguard tanks from drone attacks. Existing MBT (Main Battle Tank) active protection systems (APS), such as the Arena-M fitted on the T-90M, are designed to detect, track, and engage fast-moving ATGMs and shells. However, they are ineffective against small battlefield kamikaze drones.

Overcoming the Challenge

Small drones flying at low speeds generate weak RF reflections and are therefore ignored by the APS as background clutter. The patented technique does not attempt to detect the drone directly. Instead, it detects a drone indirectly by sensing the distinctive scattering pattern of RF signal reflections generated by the drone’s propellers.

Propeller blades create a characteristic micro-Doppler signature that is normally interpreted as “radar noise.”

In Patent No. 2853544, published in the database of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS), KBM developers propose hardware and algorithmic modifications to the radar sensor that allow the APS to additionally handle drone threats. The radar periodically switches from a long-range detection mode—optimized to detect and track missiles and shells—to a short-range detection mode optimized for drones using the patented technique.

This allows the radar to seamlessly track both high-speed threats and slow-moving drones.

It would be possible to upgrade existing Arena-M APS installations with the patented hardware and software, giving T-90M “Breakthrough” tanks a dedicated counter-drone capability.

The existing Arena-M complex reportedly features a multifunctional radar station with high noise immunity for threat detection. For threat engagement, it employs quick-activation ammunition placed along the perimeter of the tank turret in dedicated installation shafts.

With K-4 SLBM, India’s Nuclear Triad Finally Becomes Credible

Image by @Grok

Multiple reliable sources, including the ToI, report that the Indian Strategic Command test-launched a K-4 SLBM (Sea-Launched Ballistic Missile) from its SSBN INS Arighat on December 23, 2025.

There was no official word from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the missile test reportedly conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam from the 6,000-tonne INS Arighat, which is operated by the tri-service Strategic Forces Command.

Notably, in the past as well, there has been no official confirmation of SLBM tests by the MoD.

The ToI quotes a source as saying, “A comprehensive analysis will determine whether Tuesday’s test actually met all laid-down technical parameters and mission objectives or revealed some shortcomings. It usually takes several tests for ballistic missiles, especially those launched from submarines, to achieve full operational status.”

Earlier Test

Earlier, in November 2024, the Strategic Command had carried out a test launch of the 3,500-km-range missile from the then newly inducted nuclear submarine INS Arighat.

The missile was launched almost to its full range, marking the first K-4 launch from an operational submarine (previous tests used submersible platforms).

INS Arighat, the Strategic Command’s second SSBN, was commissioned in August 2024.

How SLBMs Differ from Land-Based Strategic Missiles

SLBMs differ from land-based strategic ballistic missiles in their configuration and construction. An underwater-launched missile has to deal with the pressure of a 10-m column of water above it. SLBMs are sturdier in build and consequently heavier. Compared to land-based strategic missiles of the Agni series, SLBMs carry a lot of dead weight.

The K-4 is the second operational SLBM deployed by the Strategic Forces. The first operational SLBM was the 750-km-range K-15 (aka BO-5).

K-4 Development

Some of the key components of the K-4 were designed and developed at the three facilities of the Pune-headquartered Armament and Combat Engineering (ACE) cluster of the DRDO.

The facilities are:

High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune

Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), aka R&DE (Engrs), Pune

Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), Nashik

The rocket motor systems of the missile have been designed, developed, and manufactured by HEMRL and ACEM. The launch system of the missile has been developed by R&DE (Engrs).

HEMRL has additionally developed propellants and motor systems for almost all DRDO missiles, including Prithvi, various versions of Agni, Akash, and Nag.

Some of these systems have been produced by ACEM, which is a facility that processes composite propellants for various DRDO programmes.

The Naval Systems Group of the DRDO has developed the launch system of the K-4 missile.

Specifications

The solid-fuelled K-4 is 10 to 12 m long and 1.3 m in diameter. It weighs between 17 and 20 tonnes and is capable of carrying a 2-tonne warhead.

The missile warhead is capable of manoeuvring to avoid adversary missile defences and yet strike with a 100-m CEP (Circular Error Probability).

Follow-up SLBMs

India’s first two SSBNs, INS Arihant and INS Arighat, carry either four 3,500-km-range K-4 missiles or twelve 750-km-range K-15 (aka BO-5) missiles.

A longer, 5,000-km-range, 12-m-long SLBM known as K-5 is under development for future use.

K-6 SLBM

DRDO is also reported to be developing a 6,000-km-range missile named K-6.

This three-stage solid-fuel K-6 is reportedly completely different from the K-4 and K-5.

Over 12 metres tall and over 2 metres in diameter, it will carry a three-tonne warhead. The 6,000-km range of the missile will allow its carrier SSBN to remain on deterrence patrol, operating from secured zones near the Indian coast.

A former head of India’s Strategic Forces Command alluded during an event in Washington that India’s sea-based deterrent would eventually “be secured in havens, waters we are pretty sure of, by virtue of the range of the missiles. We will be operating in a pool in our own maritime backyard.”

Recent reports claim that the missile is a hypersonic weapon with a multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicle (MIRV) warhead. Capable of a top speed of Mach 7.5, it can carry two to three nuclear or conventional warheads, allowing it to evade terminal missile defences.

The missile is 12 metres long, has a 2-metre diameter, and weighs around 20 tonnes. It is being claimed that initial tests of the missile from submerged pontoons are likely in the near future.

Follow-up SSBNs

India’s two operational SSBNs, INS Arihant and INS Arighat, will be followed by two Arihant-class Stretch submarines with 7,000-tonne displacement and 125-metre length. They are fitted with a 10-m-long, 1,000-tonne plug with room for an additional four missile tubes.

Whereas Arihant-class SSBNs carry four K-4 missiles or twelve K-15 missiles, or a mix of the two, Arihant-class Stretch SSBNs carry eight K-4 missiles or twenty-four K-15 missiles, or a mix of the two.

During the Navy Day press conference in Delhi on December 2, 2025, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi reportedly said that INS Aridhaman, the third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), would be commissioned very soon.

The Arihant-class Stretch will be followed by a clean-sheet new-design SSBN with 13,300-tonne displacement, carrying twelve K-6 6,000-km-range ballistic missiles. The new design, referred to as the S-5-class submarine, will be powered by a 190-MW reactor designed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

Conclusion

Successful completion of user trials of the K-4 SLBM would be a landmark event. For the first time, it would make the undersea leg of India’s deterrence triad credible. The limited 750-km range of the K-15 missile, currently operational on INS Arihant and INS Arighat, lends little credence to India’s undersea-based deterrence capability.

Reports that India is on the verge of testing the K-6 SLBM with ICBM capability must be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt, considering that the DRDO has yet to conduct a full flight test of the K-5 SLBM.

Akash NG: A Clean-Sheet Next-Generation Air Defence Missile Delivered in Record Time

Screenshot from DRDO released video of the test.

Following flight testing on December 24, the DRDO announced that the Akash NG air defence missile system has “successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude and long-range, high-altitude scenarios.”

The NG system had successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the missile, meeting all PSQR requirements.

Earlier Tests

The missile was first tested on January 25, 2021, using an electronic target to validate its ability to engage a hard manoeuvring target.

Follow-up tests were conducted in March 2021 and July 2021.

The missile was tested for the second time on July 21, 2021, once again without its active seeker, against an electronic target.

In a follow-up test on July 25, 2021, the missile, fitted with an active seeker, successfully intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial target.

The test validated the functioning of the complete weapon system, consisting of the RF seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control & communication system.

Akash NG Overview

The Akash-NG project, which was sanctioned in September 2016, is a new-generation interceptor missile system. It is a clean-sheet design, not a derivative of the Akash missile.

The earlier Akash interceptor was based on the Soviet-era SA-6 (NATO codename Gainful) missile. It used a ramjet propulsion sustainer and a TVM (Track Via Missile) seeker. A TVM seeker combines SARH (semi-active radar homing) and command guidance. TVM homing is jam-proof, but its accuracy drops with target range.

In contrast, the Akash NG uses a dual-pulse rocket motor and an indigenously developed active seeker. The tracking ability of an active seeker does not degrade with target range. Also, the active seeker gives the missile endgame fire-and-forget capability. Dual-pulse motors provide good endgame manoeuvrability. The active seeker of the missile is being manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

One drawback of an active seeker is that it is prone to jamming.

The Akash NG was developed for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army to facilitate interception of high-manoeuvring, low-RCS aerial threats. It was developed with excellent mobility and field storage in mind. It is mounted on a wheeled vehicle/trailer and uses six missile canisters for storage and launch.

The system is designed and developed by the DRDO and manufactured by Pune-based Electropneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd (EHPL).

EOTS

The Akash NG system features an indigenously developed electro-optical tracking system (EOTS) for passively acquiring and tracking targets.

DRDO’s IRDE designed and developed the Stabilised Electro-Optical Sight (SEOS). Mounted on a mobile platform such as a tank, fast-moving boat, or a fighter aircraft, the two-axis stabilised panoramic sight can passively acquire targets up to 40 km away.

The SEOS comprises a laser range finder, CCD camera, thermal imager, and automatic video tracker.

Hyderabad-based VEM Tech has been designated to manufacture the systems for supply to the Defence Ministry.

Akash-NG Capabilities

The missile, which has an intercept range of 30 km, is capable of engaging multiple targets.

According to EHPL, the system operates to an elevation of 20–70° and an azimuth of 360°, and it is designed for reloading two canister missile stacks within 10 minutes.

The reaction time of the system is 10 seconds from target acquisition by the command-and-control unit when a single missile is launched.

For three missiles, the system’s firing rate is 20 seconds. It takes the missile system 20 minutes to transition from transportation mode to ready-to-fire state and vice versa.

The system consists of six canister missiles mounted on a mobile platform for transportation.