BALASORE: With the successful launch of surface-to-surface tactical missile Prahaar from a defence base off the Orissa coast, the DRDO claimed to have filled the gap between multi-barrel Pinaka rocket and nuclear capable Prithvi ballistic missile with strike range of 40 km and 350 km respectively.
Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Director General of DRDO VK Saraswat said 150 km range Prahaar is a world class missile with greater manoeuvring capability, acceleration and can be deployed in different kinds of terrain making it more effective against strategic targets.
But the question is when India’s armoury is already equipped with Prithvi-I ballistic missile with a strike range of 150 km, then what’s the need for another missile of the same strike range? Instead, the DRDO could have focused on long range missiles.
Saraswat clarified that Prahaar is an excellent weapon and in comparison to Prithvi, it is small, lean and slim. “This missile has sophisticated inertial navigation and electro-mechanical actuation system. It can be transported to anywhere within a short span of time and the canister based launcher can be fitted with six missiles,” he told The Express.
While Prithvi-I inducted in the Army since late 90s will act as first line of attack, Prahaar has been categorised as a battlefield tactical missile. In real time situation, this newly developed missile will have more combat ability combined with higher accuracy.
Chief Controller (Life Sciences) of DRDO William Selvamurthy said Prahaar can carry different types of warheads. If integrated, it can also carry nuclear payloads.
The missile has a quick reaction time, so that six Prahaar missiles can be launched within two to three minutes, he said.
“Unlike Prithvi, it can engage multiple targets in different directions and can be fired in salvo mode. Prithvi can destroy a single target,” he added.