DRDO’s Pralay Quasi-Ballistic & Akash Prime Missiles Explained | Exam Focus

Pralay and Akash Prime Missiles:
Pralay Missile: India’s Tactical Game-Changer
DRDO’s recent back-to-back tests (July 28-29) of the indigenously built Pralay missile mark a strategic milestone. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, Pralay is a “quasi-ballistic” system – it follows a low-arcing trajectory but can maneuver mid-flight to evade enemy defences. Developed by DRDO’s Hyderabad and Pune labs (ARDE, HEMRL, R&DE), it features:


Solid-fuel propulsion for rapid deployment
Multiple warhead compatibility (conventional only)
Pinpoint accuracy via advanced guidance systems
150-500 km strike range (validated in tests)
Slated for Indian Army induction, Pralay (“widespread destruction” in Sanskrit) fills India’s tactical strike gap between rockets and cruise missiles.


Akash Prime: High-Altitude Sky Guardian
The upgraded Akash Prime, tested successfully in Ladakh (July 16), is tailor-made for mountain warfare. Key upgrades over legacy Akash:
Indigenous RF seeker that locks onto targets like fighter jets or drones with lethal accuracy
Cold-weather optimization (-40°C) for altitudes >4,500 metres
Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) to bypass enemy jamming
While retaining the 30-km range, it can now:
Engage 4 targets simultaneously
Protect Himalayan border installations
Neutralise stealth aircraft
Born from the 1980s Integrated Guided Missile Program, Akash Prime exemplifies “Make in India” in high-altitude air defence.


Crucial Missile Classifications
Ballistic Missiles (e.g., Agni, Prithvi):
Follow parabolic trajectories
Powered initially, then coast via gravity
Classified by range: Tactical (<300 km) to Intercontinental (>5,500 km)
Cruise Missiles (e.g., BrahMos):
Jet-powered, sea-skimming low flights
Highly maneuverable; evade radar
Quasi-Ballistic (Pralay’s category):
Hybrid path: Initial ballistic arc + mid-course corrections


Why This Matters for Exams:
UPSC Trends: Direct questions on missiles (e.g., 2018’s THAAD query). Pralay/Akash Prime are potential prelims/mains topics.
Strategic Relevance: Highlights India’s deterrence against China/Pakistan – a recurring essay theme.
Tech Focus: Tests understanding of indigenous systems under “Defence Technology”.
Key Sectors: Covers DRDO, border security, and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.



Questions & Answers:
Q1: How does Pralay’s ‘quasi-ballistic’ capability enhance its combat effectiveness?
*A1: It combines the long range of ballistic missiles with mid-flight maneuverability, making interception extremely difficult for enemy air defences.*
Q2: What specific upgrade allows Akash Prime to operate effectively in high-altitude regions like Ladakh?
*A2: Its cold-weather optimization (for -40°C) and indigenous RF seeker enable reliable target engagement above 4,500 metres.*
Q3: Identify one key industrial collaboration in Pralay’s development.
A3: DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) partnered with Pune’s ARDE, HEMRL, and R&DE for critical subsystems.
Q4: Differentiate between ballistic and cruise missiles using trajectory characteristics.
*A4: Ballistic missiles follow gravity-driven parabolic arcs, while cruise missiles maintain low-altitude, terrain-hugging horizontal flights.*
Q5: Why is Akash Prime’s ECCM feature strategically significant?
A5: It counters enemy electronic jamming, ensuring uninterrupted operation during intense electronic warfare scenarios.