Prahaar Missile, Range, Speed, Objectives, Specifications

The Prahaar missile is a short-range, road-mobile, tactical ballistic missile developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed to bridge the gap between the multi-barrel rocket system Pinaka and the medium-range ballistic missile Prithvi, Prahaar offers the Indian Armed Forces a quick-reaction, all-weather, and highly accurate battlefield support weapon system

Prahaar Missile Objectives

Initiated to fulfill the Indian Army’s need for a responsive and precise strike capability, the development of Prahaar was completed in less than two years. The missile is intended to replace the Prithvi-I short-range ballistic missile, offering superior accuracy and faster deployment. Its design allows for rapid launch within 2–3 minutes without extensive preparation, providing a significant tactical advantage in dynamic combat scenarios.

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Prahaar Missile Specifications

India’s defence capabilities have seen significant advancements in recent years, particularly in the area of tactical missile systems designed for precision strikes and rapid deployment. Below we have shared the Prahaar Missile Specifications for better understanding.

Prahaar Missile Capabilities

Prahaar Missile is designed for high mobility and rapid deployment, making it suitable for quick-reaction scenarios. Its ability to engage multiple targets in different directions enhances its effectiveness in neutralizing enemy positions, communication centers, and other strategic assets. The missile’s design ensures operations across various terrains and weather conditions, aligning with the diverse operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

Prahaar Missile Significance

In the broader context of India’s defense strategy, Prahaar Missile fills a critical niche:

• Bridging Capability Gaps: It addresses the range and precision limitations between the Pinaka rocket system (range ~40 km) and the Prithvi missile series (range ~250–350 km), providing a versatile option for mid-range engagements.
• Countering Regional Threats: Prahaar serves as a counter measure to tactical missile systems like Pakistan’s Nasr missile, enhancing India’s deterrence posture.
  Conventional Warfare Focus: Designed for conventional payloads, Prahaar aligns with India’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy, offering a strategic tool without escalating to nuclear options.

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Prahaar Missile Test Launches

Prahaar has undergone successful test launches, demonstrating its operational readiness:

1. First Test: Conducted on July 21, 2011, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, validating the missile’s design and performance parameters.
2. Second Test: On September 20, 2018, Prahaar was test-fired again from a road-mobile launcher, successfully hitting its target and meeting all mission objectives.

Prahaar Missile Variants

DRDO has developed variants of Prahaar to cater to different operational requirements and export opportunities:

• Pragati: An export-oriented version with a range of approximately 170 km, sharing 95% of Prahaar’s hardware components. Unveiled at ADEX 2013 in Seoul, South Korea, Pragati is intended for friendly nations seeking advanced tactical missile systems.

Pranash: A proposed variant under development, aiming for a range of 200 km. Pranash is designed to meet the Indian Army’s need for a longer-range tactical missile and is also considered for export, as it falls outside the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions.