DRDO conducts salvo launch of Pralay missiles off Odisha coast

The successful salvo launch of two indigenous Pralay missiles off the Odisha coast on December 31 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards strategic self-reliance and enhanced defence capabilities. This event is not merely a technical achievement but a crucial indicator of India's evolving defence posture and its commitment to indigenous innovation in critical military technologies.

**Background Context and Historical Trajectory:**

India's missile programme has a storied history, formally institutionalized with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) launched in 1983 under the visionary leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The IGMDP aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology, leading to the development of a family of missiles including Prithvi (surface-to-surface ballistic missile), Agni (intermediate-range ballistic missile), Akash (surface-to-air missile), Trishul (short-range surface-to-air missile), and Nag (third-generation anti-tank guided missile). The Pralay missile is a modern manifestation of this continuous effort, building upon the legacy of the Prithvi missile series. In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, marked by border disputes and regional power dynamics, a robust and indigenous missile arsenal is paramount for India's national security and deterrence strategy. The 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives, championed by the government, have further accelerated the push for indigenization across the defence sector, making such successful tests even more pertinent.

**What Happened and the Significance of 'Salvo Launch':**

The DRDO conducted a 'salvo launch' of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher, demonstrating the capability to fire multiple missiles rapidly. Pralay is a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range between 150 to 500 kilometres. It is designed to carry a conventional warhead of 350 kg to 700 kg, making it a potent tactical battlefield weapon. The ability to conduct a salvo launch is critical for military strategy as it allows for saturation attacks against enemy targets, overwhelming their air defence systems and increasing the probability of hitting multiple objectives or ensuring destruction of a single, high-value target. The test location off the coast of Odisha leverages DRDO's established testing ranges, ensuring safety and optimal conditions for evaluating missile performance.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

The primary stakeholder is the **Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)**, the premier agency responsible for the design, development, and testing of military technology. The **Ministry of Defence** provides policy direction, funding, and overall strategic oversight. The **Indian Armed Forces** (Army, Navy, and Air Force) are the end-users, articulating their requirements and ultimately integrating these systems into their operational doctrines. The success of such tests also indirectly involves the **Indian defence industry**, including public sector undertakings and a growing number of private sector players, who contribute to various components and may be involved in future mass production, aligning with the 'Make in India' vision.

**Why This Matters for India:**

This successful test holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it substantially **enhances India's defence preparedness and tactical capabilities**. Pralay, with its precision strike capability and rapid deployment, can be a game-changer in conventional warfare scenarios, providing a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. Secondly, it underscores **India's strategic autonomy and self-reliance** in critical defence technology. Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers not only saves valuable foreign exchange but also insulates India from potential technology denials or political pressures during crises. This aligns perfectly with the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which prioritizes indigenous procurement. Thirdly, it projects **India's growing military technological prowess** on the global stage, reinforcing its position as a responsible and capable regional power. Lastly, the development and potential induction of such advanced indigenous systems stimulate the **domestic defence manufacturing sector**, creating jobs, fostering technological innovation, and contributing to economic growth, thereby linking defence capabilities with broader economic and social development goals.

**Future Implications:**

The successful salvo launch paves the way for the potential induction of the Pralay missile into the Indian Armed Forces, significantly bolstering their conventional strike capabilities. This could lead to the development of more advanced variants, exploring improvements in range, accuracy, and warhead options. Furthermore, it reinforces India's commitment to investing in indigenous defence R&D, potentially fostering a virtuous cycle of innovation and manufacturing. This also signals to strategic partners and adversaries alike that India is steadfast in strengthening its defence infrastructure through homegrown solutions, contributing to regional stability through credible deterrence. From a broader perspective, such advancements contribute to India's aspirations of becoming a major defence exporter, further boosting its strategic and economic influence.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

While there isn't a specific constitutional article directly governing missile tests, the overarching theme of national security and defence falls under the **Union List (List I)** of the **Seventh Schedule** of the Indian Constitution. Specifically, **Entry 1 (Defence of India)**, **Entry 2 (Naval, Military and Air Forces; any other armed forces of the Union)**, and **Entry 6 (Atomic energy and mineral resources necessary for its production)** are relevant. The development of indigenous defence capabilities is directly supported by government policies like the **'Make in India' initiative** and **'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'**, particularly its focus on defence indigenization. The **Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020** explicitly prioritizes procurement from Indian vendors and promotes indigenous design and development, directly impacting projects like Pralay. These policy frameworks provide the institutional and economic impetus for DRDO's work and the broader defence industrial base.