BALASORE (ORISSA): With the successful test-launching of surface-to-surface tactical missile Prahaar from a defence base off the Orissa coast, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) claimed to have achieved a major milestone in its ongoing strategic defence programme. The missile
was test-fired from a rail mobile launcher on Thursday.
The missile, which is comparable to Advanced Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) of the US, has been developed by the DRDO with support from Missile System and Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA), an Indian company.
The DRDO asserted the missile that can ‘kill’ targets 150 km away has been designed to fill the gap between multi barrel rocket system Pinaka and nuclear capable ballistic missile Prithvi-II with strike range of 40 km and 350 km respectively. But the question is when India’s armoury is already equipped with Prithvi-I ballistic missile having a strike range of 150 km, then what is the need for another missile of the same strike range? Instead, the DRDO could have focused on long-range missiles.
Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and Director General of DRDO V K Saraswat clarified that Prahaar is a world-class missile which has a greater manoeuvring capability, better acceleration and can be deployed in different kinds of terrain making it more effective against the strategic targets.
“This new missile is an excellent weapon. In comparison to Prithvi-I, the missile is small, slim, light and fast. Prahaar is highly accelerating and manoeuvring than the missiles in its range category. It can be fired in salvo mode in all directions covering the entire azimuth plane,” he told The Sunday Standard.
More importantly, this missile is very agile and has sophisticated state-of-the-art inertial navigation and electro-
mechanical actuation system. Besides,
it cannot be easily detected by the
radars or any anti-ballistic missile system but can be transported to anywhere within a short span of time. Its canister based launcher can be fitted with six missiles at once.
While Prithvi-I inducted into the Army is considered to act as first line of attack, Prahaar has been categorised as a battlefield tactical missile. It will add teeth to the country’s capability to engage strategic targets. In real time situation, this newly developed missile will show more combating proficiency with high accuracy. “For Prithvi-I we have to use one launcher for each missile. But in case of Prahaar, six missiles can be loaded in one launcher and all the missiles can be fired within a couple of minutes. In terms of operational deployment, it is more flexible and effective,” Saraswat said. The missile capable of carrying different types of warheads will provide Indian Army a cost effective, quick reaction, all-weather, all terrain, high accurate battlefield support system. “It will be ready for deployment after few more tests. Our next major mission is the maiden test of 5,000 km range Agni-V which is on schedule. The test is likely to be conducted by the year-end,” he said.
Describing the need of developing Prahaar missile, Chief Controller (Life Sciences) of DRDO William Selvamurthy said this weapon can carry different types of warheads. If integrated, it can also carry nuclear payload. While Prithvi-I can carry a payload of 1,000 kg, Prahaar has been designed to be equipped with only 250 kg payload.
“It can engage multiple targets in different directions whereas Prithvi can destroy single target. Though initially Prithvi was fuelled by liquid propellant, now it can be powered by solid fuel. Prahaar, on the other hand, uses solid propellant and is designed to be fired from a canister,” he said. While Prithvi is fat and tall, Prahaar weighs three-time less than Prithvi-I thus allowing it to achieve better velocity and manoeuvring mid-air. Its slim size helps it to be transported to near the targets easily. The DRDO, however, claims it can be more effective during wars.