India Missiles and Guided Munitions

[Zapper]

@Nilgiri this one deserves a separate thread for sometime don’t you think? This also probably means BMD Phase 1 is complete. And budget is funded from PMO directly I think similar to Nuke sub projects

Maybe just have a common thread for all indigenous ADs and other associated defence systems we develop

 

[Gessler]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1588013520930721793

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1597475087300513793

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1597485660566597633

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1599267844495388672

 

[Gessler]

The missile launchers on INS Anvesh...these are huge.

Even ballistic missiles like Pralay SRBM can be launched from these.

 

[fire starter]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603382127768535041

 

[Nilgiri]

India test fires Agni-V, ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 km

The test-firing of the missile from the Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast came amid India's lingering border row with China.

indianexpress.com

INDIA on Thursday carried out a successful night time flight test of the long-range surface-to-surface Nuclear Capable Ballistic missile, Agni-5 amidst increased tension with China following the recent clashes along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which operates the Agni-5, carried out the successful test of the missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The nuclear capable missile which uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO). SFC is a key tri-services formation that manages and administers all the strategic assets and falls under purview of the Nuclear Command Authority of India.

Defence Ministry sources said that the test was carried out primarily to validate various new technologies onboard the missile which can strike targets at ranges of around 5,000 to 5,500 kilometers with a very high degree of accuracy. Like all other tests, the flight performance of the missile was tracked and monitored by radars, range stations and tracking systems all through the mission including by the assets deployed in the sea. The last test conducted in October 2021 was also conducted at night.

The name Agni originates from Sanskrit word for fire and is taken in the context of Agni being one five primary elements or Panch Mahabhutas. Others being Prithvi (Earth), Aapa (Water), Wayu (Air), Akash (Space). Of these names, Prithvi and Akash have been given to missiles developed by the DRDO.

Agni-5 has been successfully tested multiple times since 2012. At the time of the last test in October 2021, the Ministry of Defence in its statement had highlighted the posture of ‘credible minimum deterrence’ and ‘No First Use’ which are pivotal points of India’s nuclear doctrine, first published in 2003.

The pointers from the doctrine are: Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent. Posture of ‘No First Use’, meaning nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere. The nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to ‘inflict unacceptable damage.’

The development of Agni missiles started in early 1980 under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme spearheaded by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the central figure in India’s missile and space programmes, who also served as the 11th President of India.

Medium to Intercontinental versions of Agni missiles systems 1 to 5 have varying ranges, starting from 700 kilometers from Agni-1 to 5000 kilometers and above for Agni-5. In June last year, the DRDO had successfully tested the new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni P, which is an advanced variant of Agni class of missiles. Agni P is a canisterised missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers.

While the DRDO has not officially declared, Agni-6 is also said to be under development with much longer range starting 8000 kilometers and has Multi Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle carrying capabilities.

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603372655742455808

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603375675657764865

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603360871748489216

 

[Gessler]

As seen by civilians...

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603426651773468673

GODOFPARADOXES is saying a HGV payload may have been tested this time, who knows...

 

[Rajendra Chola]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603360871748489216

Guess finishing up the year end quota of budget through launch exercises

 

[Rajendra Chola]

As seen by civilians...

View attachment 51419

View attachment 51420

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603426651773468673

GODOFPARADOXES is saying a HGV payload may have been tested this time, who knows...

View attachment 51421

I think this is user trials by SFC from their own inventory. They don’t test new stuffs.
But to be honest, I am disappointed over lack of cover over Agni 6 or K5 SLBM. While range of A6 won’t differ much, it is supposed to be MIRV. In fact our range has been static since 2012 when we first tested A5. We need to hit Beijing from Kanyakumari and that would be 8000km plus range missile

 

[Nilgiri]

Guess finishing up the year end quota of budget through launch exercises

Its going to continue into next year

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1607373501324996610

 

[Nilgiri]

India To Deploy Tactical Ballistic Missiles Near China, Pakistan Border; Experts Say Comparable To Russian Iskander

India has approved 120 Parlay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country's borders with Pakistan and China

eurasiantimes.com

India has approved the purchase of 120 Pralay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China, the ANI news agency reported, citing sources in the ministry.

“A high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders,” a senior defense source was quoted by the news agency as saying.

According to ANI, Parlay missiles can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and are difficult to intercept due to their ability to change their path. The development of the missile began in 2015. In December 2021, it was successfully tested twice by the Indian armed forces.

Developed by DRDO, Pralay is a canisterized tactical, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and has often been compared with the Russian Iskander ballistic missiles.

The newly developed missile, fired from a canister, followed the intended quasi-ballistic trajectory and made a highly accurate strike on the target, validating the control, guidance, and mission algorithms. This quasi-ballistic missile can make precise maneuvers before impacting a target.

One of the most defining features of the Pralay missile is that it uses a fused silica Radar-dome (RADOME) developed by DRDO for locating its target. Radomes are dome-shaped structures that shield radars from inclement weather while enabling the radar to receive electromagnetic signals without distortion or attenuation, thus, ensuring precision.

File Image: Pralay missile

The Rudra Mk-2, NGARM, and QRSAM are other indigenous Indian missiles that use the fused silica Radome produced by the DRDO. The missile guidance system of the brand-new Pralay missile has a cutting-edge navigation system and integrated avionics.

Pralay, for one, can launch a payload of about 350 to 700 kilograms at targets up to 150 to 500 kilometers away and can be readied for launch from a mobile launcher at short notice. The Pralay integrates several unique technologies and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor.

Even though reports suggest that the Pralay is based on the Indian ballistic missile Prithvi, it has been likened more to the Iskander ballistic missiles of Russia that have been overwhelmingly deployed against Ukraine and have proved their combat prowess.

Pralay Has Similarities With Russia’s Iskander ​

Russia’s 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), designated as SS-26 “Stone” by NATO, has been extensively deployed by its military in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Each launcher vehicle can transport two missiles with a maximum flying range of 310 miles (nearly 500 kilometers). This indicates that the range of India’s Pralay ballistic missile is comparable to the range of Iskander, the latter having struck targets deep inside the Ukrainian territory.

The payload capacity of Iskander is about 1500 pounds or over 680 kilograms. Previous reports had indicated that with a high payload, it could travel a distance of 350 kilometers. However, if the payload mounted on Pralay is bisected, the missile can hit a target as far as 500 kilometers.

As a result, the range and trajectory parameters of the Pralay missile are comparable to those of the 9K720 Iskander from Russia. However, the Iskander missile uses an optical Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) to identify targets.

The DSMAC is an autonomous missile guidance concept based on area correlation of sensed ground scenes and ensures enhanced precision of attack.

The Iskander missile in Ukraine has revealed that it employs penetration aids (PENAIDs), which take the form of mortar-like decoys to fool enemy radars and interceptor missiles.

9K720 Iskander – Wikipedia


In addition, while Both Pralay & Iskander feature an Inertial Navigation System (INS) or Satellite Navigation, the Iskander goes over and beyond and uses Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM). This essentially means that the Iskander missile is harder to intercept.

Compared to inertial navigation systems, a TERCOM system significantly improves a missile’s accuracy. Due to improved precision, a TERCOM-equipped missile can fly closer to obstacles and at generally lower altitudes, making it more difficult for ground radar to identify.

The plan to acquire the Pralay missile by the Indian military is significant because it comes at a time when the Indian Defense Ministry’s top echelons have been discussing the development of a Rocket force for the Indian Army.

File Image: BrahMos Missile being fired

As long-range strategic weapons are under the strategic forces command’s jurisdiction, the Pralay missile and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be the longest-range tactical weapon systems in the inventory of the Indian defense forces. The Pralay missile development began in 2015, and it took four years to test the necessary technology.

According to reports in the Indian media, the Pralay missile will allow the Indian Army to target dual-use Chinese infrastructure and military bases on the Tibetan Plateau.

This would enable the Indian military to create effective deterrence with the PLA. Earlier, the PLA was rattled when the Indian side deployed the BrahMos cruise missile along the disputed LAC.

However, as of now, only two tests have been conducted using the Pralay ballistic missile. This could mean that the missile would not be operational for at least a couple of years since supporting mobile platforms will have to be developed for the ballistic missile. More details would, however, emerge after the high-level talks concerning its procurement.

========================================

Any comments @Gessler @Zapper @Paro @fire starter @Rajendra Chola et al.

 

[Rajendra Chola]

India To Deploy Tactical Ballistic Missiles Near China, Pakistan Border; Experts Say Comparable To Russian Iskander

India has approved 120 Parlay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country's borders with Pakistan and China

eurasiantimes.com

India has approved the purchase of 120 Pralay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China, the ANI news agency reported, citing sources in the ministry.

“A high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders,” a senior defense source was quoted by the news agency as saying.

According to ANI, Parlay missiles can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and are difficult to intercept due to their ability to change their path. The development of the missile began in 2015. In December 2021, it was successfully tested twice by the Indian armed forces.

Developed by DRDO, Pralay is a canisterized tactical, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and has often been compared with the Russian Iskander ballistic missiles.

The newly developed missile, fired from a canister, followed the intended quasi-ballistic trajectory and made a highly accurate strike on the target, validating the control, guidance, and mission algorithms. This quasi-ballistic missile can make precise maneuvers before impacting a target.

One of the most defining features of the Pralay missile is that it uses a fused silica Radar-dome (RADOME) developed by DRDO for locating its target. Radomes are dome-shaped structures that shield radars from inclement weather while enabling the radar to receive electromagnetic signals without distortion or attenuation, thus, ensuring precision.

View attachment 51926
File Image: Pralay missile

The Rudra Mk-2, NGARM, and QRSAM are other indigenous Indian missiles that use the fused silica Radome produced by the DRDO. The missile guidance system of the brand-new Pralay missile has a cutting-edge navigation system and integrated avionics.

Pralay, for one, can launch a payload of about 350 to 700 kilograms at targets up to 150 to 500 kilometers away and can be readied for launch from a mobile launcher at short notice. The Pralay integrates several unique technologies and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor.

Even though reports suggest that the Pralay is based on the Indian ballistic missile Prithvi, it has been likened more to the Iskander ballistic missiles of Russia that have been overwhelmingly deployed against Ukraine and have proved their combat prowess.

Pralay Has Similarities With Russia’s Iskander ​

Russia’s 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), designated as SS-26 “Stone” by NATO, has been extensively deployed by its military in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Each launcher vehicle can transport two missiles with a maximum flying range of 310 miles (nearly 500 kilometers). This indicates that the range of India’s Pralay ballistic missile is comparable to the range of Iskander, the latter having struck targets deep inside the Ukrainian territory.

The payload capacity of Iskander is about 1500 pounds or over 680 kilograms. Previous reports had indicated that with a high payload, it could travel a distance of 350 kilometers. However, if the payload mounted on Pralay is bisected, the missile can hit a target as far as 500 kilometers.

As a result, the range and trajectory parameters of the Pralay missile are comparable to those of the 9K720 Iskander from Russia. However, the Iskander missile uses an optical Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) to identify targets.

The DSMAC is an autonomous missile guidance concept based on area correlation of sensed ground scenes and ensures enhanced precision of attack.

The Iskander missile in Ukraine has revealed that it employs penetration aids (PENAIDs), which take the form of mortar-like decoys to fool enemy radars and interceptor missiles.

9K720 Iskander – Wikipedia


In addition, while Both Pralay & Iskander feature an Inertial Navigation System (INS) or Satellite Navigation, the Iskander goes over and beyond and uses Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM). This essentially means that the Iskander missile is harder to intercept.

Compared to inertial navigation systems, a TERCOM system significantly improves a missile’s accuracy. Due to improved precision, a TERCOM-equipped missile can fly closer to obstacles and at generally lower altitudes, making it more difficult for ground radar to identify.

The plan to acquire the Pralay missile by the Indian military is significant because it comes at a time when the Indian Defense Ministry’s top echelons have been discussing the development of a Rocket force for the Indian Army.

View attachment 51927
File Image: BrahMos Missile being fired

As long-range strategic weapons are under the strategic forces command’s jurisdiction, the Pralay missile and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be the longest-range tactical weapon systems in the inventory of the Indian defense forces. The Pralay missile development began in 2015, and it took four years to test the necessary technology.

According to reports in the Indian media, the Pralay missile will allow the Indian Army to target dual-use Chinese infrastructure and military bases on the Tibetan Plateau.

This would enable the Indian military to create effective deterrence with the PLA. Earlier, the PLA was rattled when the Indian side deployed the BrahMos cruise missile along the disputed LAC.

However, as of now, only two tests have been conducted using the Pralay ballistic missile. This could mean that the missile would not be operational for at least a couple of years since supporting mobile platforms will have to be developed for the ballistic missile. More details would, however, emerge after the high-level talks concerning its procurement.

========================================

Any comments @Gessler @Zapper @Paro @fire starter @Rajendra Chola et al.

It is good Pralay is getting deployed. I had initial doubts whether Indian armed forces were taking this missile seriously. In one instance they took an actual missile and it was stuck in a country for 2 days without any supervision after all Indian personnel have returned.

Shaurya is another interesting missile. With Rocket force becoming reality, +500 missiles is a possibility.

 

[Gessler]

India To Deploy Tactical Ballistic Missiles Near China, Pakistan Border; Experts Say Comparable To Russian Iskander

India has approved 120 Parlay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country's borders with Pakistan and China

eurasiantimes.com

India has approved the purchase of 120 Pralay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China, the ANI news agency reported, citing sources in the ministry.

“A high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders,” a senior defense source was quoted by the news agency as saying.

According to ANI, Parlay missiles can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and are difficult to intercept due to their ability to change their path. The development of the missile began in 2015. In December 2021, it was successfully tested twice by the Indian armed forces.

Developed by DRDO, Pralay is a canisterized tactical, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and has often been compared with the Russian Iskander ballistic missiles.

The newly developed missile, fired from a canister, followed the intended quasi-ballistic trajectory and made a highly accurate strike on the target, validating the control, guidance, and mission algorithms. This quasi-ballistic missile can make precise maneuvers before impacting a target.

One of the most defining features of the Pralay missile is that it uses a fused silica Radar-dome (RADOME) developed by DRDO for locating its target. Radomes are dome-shaped structures that shield radars from inclement weather while enabling the radar to receive electromagnetic signals without distortion or attenuation, thus, ensuring precision.

View attachment 51926
File Image: Pralay missile

The Rudra Mk-2, NGARM, and QRSAM are other indigenous Indian missiles that use the fused silica Radome produced by the DRDO. The missile guidance system of the brand-new Pralay missile has a cutting-edge navigation system and integrated avionics.

Pralay, for one, can launch a payload of about 350 to 700 kilograms at targets up to 150 to 500 kilometers away and can be readied for launch from a mobile launcher at short notice. The Pralay integrates several unique technologies and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor.

Even though reports suggest that the Pralay is based on the Indian ballistic missile Prithvi, it has been likened more to the Iskander ballistic missiles of Russia that have been overwhelmingly deployed against Ukraine and have proved their combat prowess.

Pralay Has Similarities With Russia’s Iskander ​

Russia’s 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), designated as SS-26 “Stone” by NATO, has been extensively deployed by its military in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Each launcher vehicle can transport two missiles with a maximum flying range of 310 miles (nearly 500 kilometers). This indicates that the range of India’s Pralay ballistic missile is comparable to the range of Iskander, the latter having struck targets deep inside the Ukrainian territory.

The payload capacity of Iskander is about 1500 pounds or over 680 kilograms. Previous reports had indicated that with a high payload, it could travel a distance of 350 kilometers. However, if the payload mounted on Pralay is bisected, the missile can hit a target as far as 500 kilometers.

As a result, the range and trajectory parameters of the Pralay missile are comparable to those of the 9K720 Iskander from Russia. However, the Iskander missile uses an optical Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) to identify targets.

The DSMAC is an autonomous missile guidance concept based on area correlation of sensed ground scenes and ensures enhanced precision of attack.

The Iskander missile in Ukraine has revealed that it employs penetration aids (PENAIDs), which take the form of mortar-like decoys to fool enemy radars and interceptor missiles.

9K720 Iskander – Wikipedia


In addition, while Both Pralay & Iskander feature an Inertial Navigation System (INS) or Satellite Navigation, the Iskander goes over and beyond and uses Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM). This essentially means that the Iskander missile is harder to intercept.

Compared to inertial navigation systems, a TERCOM system significantly improves a missile’s accuracy. Due to improved precision, a TERCOM-equipped missile can fly closer to obstacles and at generally lower altitudes, making it more difficult for ground radar to identify.

The plan to acquire the Pralay missile by the Indian military is significant because it comes at a time when the Indian Defense Ministry’s top echelons have been discussing the development of a Rocket force for the Indian Army.

View attachment 51927
File Image: BrahMos Missile being fired

As long-range strategic weapons are under the strategic forces command’s jurisdiction, the Pralay missile and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be the longest-range tactical weapon systems in the inventory of the Indian defense forces. The Pralay missile development began in 2015, and it took four years to test the necessary technology.

According to reports in the Indian media, the Pralay missile will allow the Indian Army to target dual-use Chinese infrastructure and military bases on the Tibetan Plateau.

This would enable the Indian military to create effective deterrence with the PLA. Earlier, the PLA was rattled when the Indian side deployed the BrahMos cruise missile along the disputed LAC.

However, as of now, only two tests have been conducted using the Pralay ballistic missile. This could mean that the missile would not be operational for at least a couple of years since supporting mobile platforms will have to be developed for the ballistic missile. More details would, however, emerge after the high-level talks concerning its procurement.

========================================

Any comments @Gessler @Zapper @Paro @fire starter @Rajendra Chola et al.

With the acquisition of Deep-Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSAs) like Rafale in the originally required numbers (126-189) being difficult, the advent of Rocket Forces equipped with missiles like these was an inevitability.

The plan here is to retain a more or less similar over-the-horizon precision strike capability regardless of fewer DPSA airframes being on hand.

 

[Zapper]

With the acquisition of Deep-Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSAs) like Rafale in the originally required numbers (126-189) being difficult, the advent of Rocket Forces equipped with missiles like these was an inevitability.

The plan here is to retain a more or less similar over-the-horizon precision strike capability regardless of fewer DPSA airframes being on hand.

Is Pralay Indian counterpart to pak's Nasr?

 

[Gessler]

Is Pralay Indian counterpart to pak's Nasr?

More like the counterpart to ATACMS or the upcoming PrSM.

Prahaar would be more akin to Nasr - but IA is not interested in a BM for that kind of application. For such short ranges, they prefer Rocket Artillery.

 

[Afif]

Does Pralay has dual use capability like Iskander?

 

[Paro]

India To Deploy Tactical Ballistic Missiles Near China, Pakistan Border; Experts Say Comparable To Russian Iskander

India has approved 120 Parlay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country's borders with Pakistan and China

eurasiantimes.com

India has approved the purchase of 120 Pralay quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missiles to deploy them along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China, the ANI news agency reported, citing sources in the ministry.

“A high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces and their deployment along the borders,” a senior defense source was quoted by the news agency as saying.

According to ANI, Parlay missiles can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) and are difficult to intercept due to their ability to change their path. The development of the missile began in 2015. In December 2021, it was successfully tested twice by the Indian armed forces.

Developed by DRDO, Pralay is a canisterized tactical, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and has often been compared with the Russian Iskander ballistic missiles.

The newly developed missile, fired from a canister, followed the intended quasi-ballistic trajectory and made a highly accurate strike on the target, validating the control, guidance, and mission algorithms. This quasi-ballistic missile can make precise maneuvers before impacting a target.

One of the most defining features of the Pralay missile is that it uses a fused silica Radar-dome (RADOME) developed by DRDO for locating its target. Radomes are dome-shaped structures that shield radars from inclement weather while enabling the radar to receive electromagnetic signals without distortion or attenuation, thus, ensuring precision.

View attachment 51926
File Image: Pralay missile

The Rudra Mk-2, NGARM, and QRSAM are other indigenous Indian missiles that use the fused silica Radome produced by the DRDO. The missile guidance system of the brand-new Pralay missile has a cutting-edge navigation system and integrated avionics.

Pralay, for one, can launch a payload of about 350 to 700 kilograms at targets up to 150 to 500 kilometers away and can be readied for launch from a mobile launcher at short notice. The Pralay integrates several unique technologies and uses a solid-propellant rocket motor.

Even though reports suggest that the Pralay is based on the Indian ballistic missile Prithvi, it has been likened more to the Iskander ballistic missiles of Russia that have been overwhelmingly deployed against Ukraine and have proved their combat prowess.

Pralay Has Similarities With Russia’s Iskander ​

Russia’s 9K720 Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), designated as SS-26 “Stone” by NATO, has been extensively deployed by its military in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Each launcher vehicle can transport two missiles with a maximum flying range of 310 miles (nearly 500 kilometers). This indicates that the range of India’s Pralay ballistic missile is comparable to the range of Iskander, the latter having struck targets deep inside the Ukrainian territory.

The payload capacity of Iskander is about 1500 pounds or over 680 kilograms. Previous reports had indicated that with a high payload, it could travel a distance of 350 kilometers. However, if the payload mounted on Pralay is bisected, the missile can hit a target as far as 500 kilometers.

As a result, the range and trajectory parameters of the Pralay missile are comparable to those of the 9K720 Iskander from Russia. However, the Iskander missile uses an optical Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) to identify targets.

The DSMAC is an autonomous missile guidance concept based on area correlation of sensed ground scenes and ensures enhanced precision of attack.

The Iskander missile in Ukraine has revealed that it employs penetration aids (PENAIDs), which take the form of mortar-like decoys to fool enemy radars and interceptor missiles.

9K720 Iskander – Wikipedia


In addition, while Both Pralay & Iskander feature an Inertial Navigation System (INS) or Satellite Navigation, the Iskander goes over and beyond and uses Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM). This essentially means that the Iskander missile is harder to intercept.

Compared to inertial navigation systems, a TERCOM system significantly improves a missile’s accuracy. Due to improved precision, a TERCOM-equipped missile can fly closer to obstacles and at generally lower altitudes, making it more difficult for ground radar to identify.

The plan to acquire the Pralay missile by the Indian military is significant because it comes at a time when the Indian Defense Ministry’s top echelons have been discussing the development of a Rocket force for the Indian Army.

View attachment 51927
File Image: BrahMos Missile being fired

As long-range strategic weapons are under the strategic forces command’s jurisdiction, the Pralay missile and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be the longest-range tactical weapon systems in the inventory of the Indian defense forces. The Pralay missile development began in 2015, and it took four years to test the necessary technology.

According to reports in the Indian media, the Pralay missile will allow the Indian Army to target dual-use Chinese infrastructure and military bases on the Tibetan Plateau.

This would enable the Indian military to create effective deterrence with the PLA. Earlier, the PLA was rattled when the Indian side deployed the BrahMos cruise missile along the disputed LAC.

However, as of now, only two tests have been conducted using the Pralay ballistic missile. This could mean that the missile would not be operational for at least a couple of years since supporting mobile platforms will have to be developed for the ballistic missile. More details would, however, emerge after the high-level talks concerning its procurement.

========================================

Any comments @Gessler @Zapper @Paro @fire starter @Rajendra Chola et al.

The Rocket Force is a double-edged sword in the present scenario. These can only be applicable if there is a strong C&C setup, a vast existing infrastructure, and the political will to use them, which GOI isn't really mature enough yet or willing to escalate.

And even after that, these are too short-legged for LAC terrain.

Just hope things are going in a positive way because there is really no data on MSM to judge its progress.