Why India's BM-04 Boost-Glide Missile Raises the Cost for Adversaries - An Analysis

 

BM-04 in Flight by @Grok

The DRDO has reportedly received a go-ahead from the MoD to

develop the BM-04 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).

A full-scale mock-up of the missile was unveiled at the

Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 defence exhibition in Hyderabad (February 28

to March 2, 2025).

The design of the re-entry vehicle armed with the missile warhead suggests that it is a boost-glide hypersonic weapon. However, the placard placed next to the missile mock-up, displaying its specifications, did not specify its speed.

Specifications

The canister-launched missile is 10.2 metres long, 1.2 metres in diameter, and weighs 11,500 kg. It features a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and carries a 500 kg conventional warhead.

It is deployed using a six-axle indigenous Transport Erector Launcher (TEL).

#DRDO's new BM-04 missile with MaRV warhead🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/pQMOpV3qDn

— News IADN (@NewsIADN) February 28, 2025

Missile Capabilities

The missile features a precision-strike-capable 500 kg conventional warhead and has a range of 400–1,500 km. It uses satellite-aided inertial navigation, incorporating GPS and the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). A CEP of less than 30 m is claimed.

The BM-04 uses a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and navigates using a combination of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Satellite Navigation System (SATNAV). The missile does not have terminal homing capability and has a CEP of 30 metres.

Physical Characteristics

The missile features a conical-shaped re-entry vehicle, likely a boost-glide vehicle with a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB). The inclusion of a C-HGB, along with features such as fixed wings and control fins on the re-entry vehicle, suggests hypersonic speeds with manoeuvrability during both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric phases, enabling evasion of radar and missile defence systems.

Analysis

The BM-04 shares visual and technological similarities with the Agni-I and Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missiles but is tailored for conventional roles, with a smaller payload and hypersonic capabilities.

The missile’s range allows it to be stored deep within Indian territory, complicating adversaries’ ability to target launch sites. Its canisterised design also supports a “shoot-and-scoot” capability for rapid, pre-emptive strikes.

The hypersonic enabling technologies for the BM-04 were likely developed under the Long-Range Hypersonic Missile (LRHM) programme, which was maiden-tested in November 2024.

The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted a flight trial of its long range hypersonic missile on 16th Nov 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off-the-coast of Odisha.

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces and the Industry for successful flight… pic.twitter.com/wq7yM2YS9f

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 17, 2024

Maneuvering hypersonic missiles have demonstrated the ability to penetrate the most advanced air defence systems in the world. The BM-04’s precision-strike capability and ability to operate in contested airspace would allow it to rapidly erode an adversary’s warfighting capability while remaining well below the nuclear escalation threshold.

The BM-04 missile and the Long-Range Hypersonic Missile (LRHM) tested by DRDO in November 2024 are likely not the same missile. However, they share technological similarities and are part of DRDO’s broader hypersonic missile development programme.

DRDO may have used the LRHM as a hypersonic boost-glide technology development and demonstration testbed. The “Long-Range” designation of the LRHM, along with the claimed range of more than 1,500 km in the PIB press release announcing the maiden test, suggests that the LRHM may eventually be developed into a long-range hypersonic missile.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

AMCA Timeline Slips Again: DRDO’s Projections Face Another Reality Check

 

A scale model of the AMCA on display at AI 2019

Speaking on the sidelines of an event marking 25 years of the LCA Tejas flight programme, DRDO Chief Samir V. Kamat reportedly said that the AMCA is likely to be rolled out by the end of 2028. The aircraft’s first flight may take place in early 2029.

Let us look back at HAL/DRDO’s AMCA rollout projections since 2019.

In January 2021, the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, R. Madhavan, said, “The prototype of the aircraft is likely to be ready by 2026, and its production could start by 2030.”

In September 2021, Girish S. Deodhare, Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) and Director, ADA, upped the ante by projecting a first flight in 2025.

He said, “We are moving to a critical design review by the middle of next year, with the roll-out planned in 2024 and the first flight planned in 2025.”

Dr A. K. Ghosh, Project Director of AMCA, stated during DefExpo 2022, “Once the project sanction is received, the first prototype can be rolled out in three years, and the first flight can take place one to one-and-a-half years after that.”

Considering that the AMCA project received its go-ahead in 2024, the timeline projected by Dr Ghosh would translate to a first flight by the end of 2028.

Now, the first flight is being projected in 2029.

The IAF, which has had a long association with DRDO and HAL, has remained sceptical.

When DRDO first projected the AMCA development timeline to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2019, it assured operational induction by 2035.

The IAF’s top leadership, despite its enthusiasm and wholehearted support for a home-grown stealth fighter, considered the timeline ambitious. In July 2020, the IAF euphemistically described the timeline as “very tight.”

However, senior DRDO and HAL officials ignored the IAF’s reservations.

In November 2022, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari, advised “prudence.” He recommended foreign tie-ups as a fallback for developing “alternative systems and sensors” in case indigenous development slipped off the timeline.

The IAF has projected to the MoD a requirement for 2-3 squadrons of an interim stealth fighter to plug the operational gap due to the absence of stealth fighters in IAF inventory. 

It's time for the government to act, because the writing is on the wall 

Learning from Europe’s FMLA: Can the HTT-40 Become India’s Counter-Drone Platform?

 

A HTT-40 armed for counter drone operations Image by @Grok

The European Commission (EC) has taken the lead in developing a manned light combat aircraft optimised for hunting drones. Called the Future Multirole Light Aircraft (FMLA), the concept aircraft is intended to be an affordable, versatile platform for a variety of missions.

The EC has reportedly allocated €15 million for the first phase of development under the European Defence Fund (EDF) programme for 2026.

Besides intercepting drones, the FMLA would be able to undertake close air support, reconnaissance, and target designation missions. In addition to combat missions, it would be capable of conducting border patrols and participating in search and rescue operations.

The FMLA is conceived as a turboprop aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of around 7.5 tonnes, capable of short take-offs and landings on shortened runways. It will feature lightweight composite materials to reduce radar signature and will be equipped with advanced radar, sensors, and other electronic equipment.

The aim is to develop a cost-effective aircraft with advanced technology and mission flexibility.

The Need for Specialised Counter-Drone Operations

Ukraine and Russia are both using light sport/trainer aircraft and combat helicopters for counter-drone operations.

Russia employs platforms such as the Mi-28N and Ka-52 attack helicopters, as well as light sport aircraft retrofitted with machine guns and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), to patrol low-altitude airspace around critical infrastructure.

Ukraine similarly uses Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters, L-39 trainer jets equipped with gun pods, and even modified agricultural aircraft for night operations.

These platforms operate at low altitudes and slow speeds along likely drone ingress routes, particularly during nighttime raids. Pilots rely on visual detection using night-vision systems and tactical intelligence to identify and engage hostile drones.

Drones Fight Back

The use of manned combat helicopters and light aircraft in counter-drone operations has inevitably led to the development of drones capable of shooting down these manned threats.

Air-Combat-Capable Drones

Russian forces have recently (in the past month) deployed an interceptor variant of the Geran drone capable of launching R-60 air-to-air missiles. The Soviet-era short-range missile is mounted on a launcher on top of the drone. After launch, the heat-seeking missile can autonomously home in on its target.

The interceptor variant of the Geran drone operates as part of a swarm that includes other Geran drones configured for electronic warfare, photo reconnaissance, ELINT, communications relay, and decoy missions.

When launched from a fast-flying fighter aircraft, the R-60 has a range of 7–10 km. When launched from a slow-flying drone, its effective range would be significantly lower.

First Manned Aircraft Shootdown by a Drone

A Russian Geran-2 drone may have scored its first air-to-air kill recently, potentially creating aviation history. The supporting evidence, however, remains largely circumstantial.

A Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter from the 12th Separate Army Aviation Brigade was lost in combat on December 17, 2025.

The specific location or area of operation has not been publicly disclosed. However, in recent months, Ukrainian combat helicopters have not been operating near the front, making it unlikely that the loss resulted from a ground-launched missile.

In fact, Ukrainian combat helicopters have been largely repurposed for counter-drone operations, increasing the likelihood that the loss occurred during such a mission.

Official Ukrainian sources have acknowledged the downing as a combat loss. While it is possible that the helicopter was brought down by a Geran-2 drone—either by ramming or through the use of an air-to-air missile—other possibilities exist, including controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) while manoeuvring to engage a drone.

Geran-2 drone armed with Igla-S MANPAD

MANPADS Armed Drones

On January 4, 2026, a photograph of a Geran-2 drone armed with an Igla-S man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) appeared on social media.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported that Ukrainian forces had intercepted a Geran-2 drone armed with the MANPADS.

The drone is claimed to have crashed in the Chernihiv region.

R-60 vs Igla-S

Upgraded variants of the Geran-2 drone are capable of carrying a tandem warhead weighing about 100 kg. Geran-2 interceptor variants replace the warhead with an air-to-air missile and its launch system.

The Igla-S missile weighs approximately 10.8 kg; with its launch system, the total weight is around 18 kg. In contrast, the R-60 air-to-air missile has a launch weight of 44 kg, while the pylon and ejector mechanism used to launch it likely weighs an additional 20–40 kg. As such, it is highly likely that the switch to the Igla-S missile is intended to significantly lighten the load on the Geran-2 drone, allowing it to operate at longer ranges.

The Igla-S missile is tube-launched, unlike the R-60, which is launched using a pylon-ejector combination.

Like the R-60, the Igla-S features an infrared homing seeker, but it is resistant to countermeasures such as flares. The missile has a range of up to 6 km.

Geran-2 drone variants capable of carrying air-to-air missiles and MANPADS feature two cameras: a forward-facing camera positioned ahead of the missile and a rear-facing camera mounted behind it.

Need for More Agile Drone Hunters with Better Missile Countermeasures

The current evolutionary trajectory of one-way attack drones and loitering munitions points to a rapidly emerging need for manned platforms capable of quickly locating and engaging drones, while also being able to evade attacks by missile-armed drone interceptors.

India’s Options

At this point in time, based on current threat perceptions and limited resources, it may not be feasible for India to develop a specialised counter-drone platform. However, India should explore the possibility of modifying the HTT-40 trainer variant into a credible counter-drone platform. I have discussed this subject in an earlier analysis for The Eurasian Times.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

Tornado-S Spotted with 200-km Range Glide-Capable Rockets

Photo via www1.ru

On January 3, 2026, it was reported that a Tornado-S MLRS had been spotted with launch tubes contoured to carry aerodynamically shaped rockets.

According to Russian military analyst Yevgeny Damantsev, the aerodynamic layout of the containers points to the development of MLRS rockets with glide capability.

In December 2025, Sputnik Live reported that Russia was developing the UMPB-30SN glide rocket for the Tornado-S with a range of up to 200 km.

Tornado-S

The long-range 300 mm MLRS Tornado-S is a modified version of the Smerch system and can engage targets at distances in excess of 100 km (possibly up to 120 km), covering an area of more than 60 hectares. The system is capable of firing both single rockets and a full salvo of 12 rockets.

Tornado-S rockets feature a strapdown inertial navigation system with GLONASS SATNAV updates, allowing each rocket in a salvo to be aimed at a different target.

The firing accuracy of Tornado-S rockets is reportedly 15–20 times higher than that of its predecessor, the Smerch MLRS.

Tornado-S UAV Launch System

In the past, there have been reports that a 300 mm Tornado-S rocket has been developed to deploy an electronic warfare (EW) drone over a designated area at distances of tens of kilometers. The EW drone can loiter over the target area, detect sources of radio emissions, and relay emitter coordinates to the MLRS. Alternatively, it could jam or spoof radio communication channels and radar signals.

The use of EW-drone-carrying rockets would be effective in suppressing counter-battery radars, thereby reducing the likelihood of retaliatory strikes. Such EW drones would provide a low-risk alternative to jamming aircraft or helicopters, with near-instant deployability.

Increased Operational Effectiveness

Currently, Russian forces position Tornado-S MLRS systems approximately 100 km from the front line to avoid strikes by Ukrainian HIMARS systems and drones. As a result, they are unable to strike targets deep inside Ukrainian territory.

Glide-capable rockets with a 200 km range would enable Tornado-S systems to strike targets nearly 100 km deep into adversary territory while remaining safely positioned about 100 km behind the line of contact.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

Blinding the Hunters: Geran-2’s Latest Night-Fight Upgrade

Russia continues to improve its Geran-2 drones at a literally blinding pace. The latest upgrade is particularly blinding: a rear-facing IR LED “flashlight” designed to dazzle helicopter pilots hunting Shahed drones at night using night-vision goggles.

In September 2025, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reportedly stated during a press conference that Ukrainian helicopters shoot down up to 40% of the drones in their operational areas.

The rear-facing IR flashlight could also blind Ukrainian interceptor drones equipped with simple IR sensors for night interception.

Typically, interceptor drones use IR sensor guidance to ram into Geran-2 drones mid-air; some are equipped with small warheads. These interceptor drones cost between $2,000 and $3,000. After launch, they are initially cued onto their targets visually or based on radar tracks.

The rear-facing Geran IR flashlight would not be effective against interceptor drones equipped with high-quality thermal imagers. However, such drones would be significantly more expensive, adversely impacting the cost-benefit ratio.

Recent Geran-2 Upgrades

The following are some other recent upgrades to the Geran drone variants:

1. Russian forces have deployed an interceptor variant of the Geran drone capable of launching R-60 air-to-air missiles. The Soviet-era short-range missile is mounted on a launcher on top of the drone. After launch, the heat-seeking missile can autonomously home in on its target.

A Russian Geran-2 drone may have scored its first air-to-air kill, creating aviation history. A Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter from the 12th Separate Army Aviation Brigade was lost in combat on December 17, 2025. Circumstantial evidence points to the use of an air-to-air missile by a Geran drone. 

The interceptor variant of the Geran drone operates as part of a swarm that includes other Geran drones configured for electronic warfare, photo reconnaissance, ELINT, communication relay, and decoy missions.

When launched from a fast-flying fighter aircraft, the R-60 has a range of 7–10 km. When launched from a slow-flying drone, its range would be significantly less.

2. The drones are now reportedly equipped with Chinese-developed CRPA antennas housed inside their fuselage, making them more resilient to electronic warfare (EW). CRPA antennas—short for Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas—are advanced GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas designed to resist jamming and spoofing.

3. They feature a much heavier warhead (approximately 90 kg) compared to kamikaze drones such as the Lancet (approximately 3 kg) or FPV drones (approximately 1–3 kg).

4. They fly at higher altitudes, remaining beyond the effective reach of MANPADS and air-defense guns.

5. They feature forward-looking electro-optical (EO) sensors and mesh-network communication links, enabling remote piloting and precision strikes against moving targets.

6. They are being mass-produced at scale, keeping costs under control despite these technological upgrades. According to preliminary estimates, monthly production of Geran-2 drones in Russia has reached a sustainable level of 6,500–7,500 units.

7. Ukrainian sources have reported that Geran-2 drones are now equipped with a self-destruct capability, a development that appears logical in view of the increasing sophistication of the drone. Russian forces need to protect the electronics and mechanical equipment on the drone to prevent Ukrainian forces from developing countermeasures.

8. In early January 2026, a photo of a Geran-2 drone armed with Igla/Verba MANPAD appeared on social media.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

India’s Nuclear Submarine Program and the Ursa Major Incident

Ursa Major Sinking

The Spanish newspaper La Verdad has reported that the Russian ship Ursa Major—which sank in the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles south of Cartagena, on December 23, 2024—was transporting the hulls of two VM-4SG nuclear reactor cores from Russia to North Korea.

The ship sank due to a mysterious underwater explosion, best explained as sabotage.

VM-4SG reactors are used in the nuclear power plant of Project 667BDRM SSBNs, an advanced variant of the Delta submarine. Designed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau and built at Sevmash in Severodvinsk between 1984 and 1992, seven boats were commissioned.

These submarines feature a double-hulled configuration for enhanced survivability, measuring 167.4 meters in length, with a beam of 11.7 meters and a submerged displacement of 18,200 tons. Powered by two OK-700A nuclear propulsion units, they achieve submerged speeds of up to 24 knots and operational depths of 320 meters, with unlimited range and 90-day endurance.

The OK-700A propulsion units (nuclear steam-generating propulsion plants) use two VM-4 series reactors.

The VM-4SG, a specific upgraded variant of the VM-4 reactor, powers second-generation submarines such as the Project 667BDR (Delta III, using VM-4S) and 667BDRM (Delta IV, using VM-4SG), providing reliable, long-endurance operation for strategic ballistic missile roles.

VM-4SG reactors use enriched uranium fuel (typically 20% U-235, though some variants reach 40%) in a compact, modular design with pipe-within-pipe coolant loops for reduced size and enhanced safety.

There is some skepticism over the La Verdad report. Many Russian analysts point out that the reactor is currently not in production.

Indian Connection

Notably, bmpd TC has reported that the VM-4SG reactor is part of the propulsion unit of the Indian Arihant-class SSBN. Since Arihant-class submarines remain in production, it is likely that VM-4SG reactors remain in production.

Officially, the Arihant-class submarines are equipped with Indian-made CLWR-B1 nuclear reactors. However, it was only in 2021 that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Larsen & Toubro Special Steels and Heavy Forgings Limited announced completion of a facility in Hazira to produce nuclear reactor hulls. So far, there has been no report of a hull being manufactured at the facility. Despite the secrecy surrounding India’s nuclear submarine development and manufacturing, the lack of such an announcement appears odd, particularly keeping in mind Indian media hype over self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

According to bmpd, Indian sources acknowledge that the Arihant CLWR-B1 reactor is “heavily based on the Soviet VM-4/4SG reactor.” However, it is well known that the CLWR-B1 reactor vessels are manufactured in Russia, along with several other critical submarine components.

The four Arihant-class submarines will be followed by a clean-sheet, new-design SSBN with a 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 CLWR-B2, a 190-MW reactor designed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

It is being reported that CLWR-B2 is based on the design of the Soviet VM-11 (OK-650B) submarine reactor, used on Soviet third-generation submarines, including the Project 971 Akula submarines that the Indian Navy leased from Russia.

The OK-650B reactor is rated at approximately 190 MW thermal output. It drives a steam turbine delivering around 43,000–50,000 shaft horsepower (shp) to a single seven-bladed propeller, enabling submerged speeds of up to 33–35 knots and unlimited range.

@Grok generated photo of a Arihant class like SSBN

Conclusion

La Verdad cited details from an official Spanish maritime investigation (report 8059/24-Escora) into the sinking of the Russian cargo ship.

According to the report, the ship was carrying two undeclared, blue-tarped containers at the stern, each weighing approximately 65 tons, that did not appear on the manifest.

Aerial imagery from Spanish rescue operations, while the ship was still afloat but listing, revealed the blue containers. Crew interrogation led to the identification of the undeclared cargo as VM-4SG reactor casings.

The hull breach (a 50 cm × 50 cm inward-bent hole) and seismic data from the explosions pointed to the use of a supercavitating torpedo to sink the ship. The seismic data were consistent with 1.6–1.8 magnitude waves generated by 20–50 kg of TNT.

The ship was tracking an unusual 15,000 km route from St. Petersburg to its declared destination of Vladivostok. Onboard heavy-lift cranes were incongruous with Vladivostok’s facilities but suitable for underdeveloped ports. As such, investigators concluded that the cargo was bound for Rason, North Korea—a port near the Russian border with rail links.

The logically appearing conclusion would be that the ship was sunk by a US/NATO submarine to prevent North Korea from acquiring SSN/SSBN capability.

No independent corroboration of the La Verdad report, such as public photos of the reactors or official Spanish government statements, has emerged.

North Korea is in the process of developing nuclear-powered submarines (SSN/SSBN capabilities). In January 2021, Kim Jong Un announced at the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea that the design of a new nuclear-powered submarine was in the final examination stage as part of a five-year weapons development plan.

Notably, North Korea remains upbeat about its SSN/SSBN plans, suggesting that there may have been no setbacks.

In March 2025, state media released photos of Kim inspecting a partially constructed nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, described as a “significant advancement” in naval nuclear capability.

In December 2025, North Korea unveiled the completed hull of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered SSBN, amid reports of potential Russian assistance in reactor technology.

Developing a nuclear propulsion unit for a submarine is a challenging task. Designing and testing a propulsion unit is one thing; manufacturing it is quite another challenge.

Finally

Fortunately for India, all Arihant-class submarines have already been launched, ensuring that there will be no immediate impact from the loss of two VM-4SG nuclear reactors—if they were indeed lost. However, the Ursa Major sinking starkly underscores the urgency for India to accelerate the development of fully indigenous capabilities for designing and manufacturing nuclear reactors for submarine propulsion.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

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.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.