Representational.
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry decided to procure around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles to deploy along the borders with China and Pakistan.
The missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, can escape interceptor missiles of the enemy, while heading towards the target.
The range of Pralay ballistic missiles, which at present can hit targets from 150 to 500 kms, can be extended significantly if the forces want it, news agency ANI reported.
Senior defence sources reportedly confirmed that a high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry cleared the acquisition of around 120 missiles for the armed forces.
The decision to deploy ballistic missiles in the border areas is considered to be a big development that goes with India’s policy to use these missiles in tactical roles
Both China and Pakistan also reportedly have ballistic missiles deployed for tactical roles.
Pralay ballistic missile system, successfully tested twice last year, first came into being in 2015 after it was given a push by the late Gen Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff, as per the report.
Powered by propellant rocket motor, the quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile has the capability to change its path after covering a certain range in midair, dodging interceptor missiles.
The ballistic missile is known for its state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics.
The decision to introduce the missile on boarder comes when the defence force are working to create a ‘dedicated rocket force’ to take out enemy targets from long range.