Tactical & Technical Specifications
- Type: A canisterized, Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) for surface-to-surface tactical strikes.
- Range & Payload: It covers 150–500 km with a payload of 350–1,000 kg (conventional warheads only).
- Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory: Unlike a standard parabola, Pralay can maneuver in mid-flight at lower altitudes. This makes it "interceptor-proof" for most enemy Air Defence systems (like the S-300).
Strategic Significance
- The Rocket Force: Pralay is the backbone of India’s planned Integrated Rocket Force (IRF).
- No First Use (NFU) Context: Since it is conventionally armed (non-nuclear), it can be used in a tactical battlefield scenario without triggering a nuclear escalation, filling a vital gap in India’s deterrence against China and Pakistan.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
