NB Explains | With eye on China & Pak, Defence Ministry clears proposal to buy 'Pralay' ballistic missiles for Indian Army

New Delhi, Sept 18: In a major boost to its firepower, the Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of a regiment of 'Pralay' ballistic missiles for the Indian Army for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC), that is, borders with China and Pakistan respectively.

 

 

It is for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) — that is, practically the borders with China and Pakistan respectively. Pralay, along with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will now form the crux of India's planned Rocket Force.

 

 

The Army would be deploying these missiles with conventional warheads and using them in tactical roles. The decision to buy these missiles comes soon after a similar proposal was cleared by the government for the Indian Air Force.

 

Both China and Pakistan have ballistic missiles which are for tactical roles. The missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is being further developed and its range can be extended significantly if the forces want it.

 

The missile system started developing around 2015 and the development of such a capability was given a push by the late General Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff.

 

The missile was successfully tested twice on consecutive days last year on December 21 and December 22.

'Pralay' is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile. The advanced missile has been developed in a way to be able to defeat interceptor missiles. It has the ability to change its path after covering a certain range in midair.

 

'Pralay' is powered by a solid propellant rocket motor and other new technologies. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics.

 

Fo Navy....

The Navy now has 68 warships and vessels on order, collectively worth an estimated Rs 2 lakh crore.

This is in line with India's continuing quest to build a stronger blue-water force to protect its huge geostrategic interests as well as counter China's ever-expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.

The plan is to have at least 175 warships in the Navy by 2035 for the requisite and credible strategic reach, mobility and flexibility in the IOR and beyond.

Why

This comes against the backdrop of China building warships at an astonishing pace after already having the world's largest Navy with 355 warships and submarines.

Also, China is aggressively hunting for overseas bases after Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan, and now possibly Ream in Cambodia to overcome its current logistical challenge in the IOR and the larger Indo-Pacific region.