Pralay Missile at Republic Day: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to display “path-breaking innovations” for national security during the Republic Day Parade 2025 on Sunday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), for the first time, the DRDO tableau will feature a “Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon”. Additionally, the Pralay surface-to-surface tactical missile system will be shown in its operational form. The display will also include advanced defence technologies such as artillery, sensors, air defence systems, and missiles.
These innovations showcase the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, represent DRDO’s mission to equip India with new technologies and achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ moto.
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Themed ‘”Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats”, the DRDO tableau will present various advanced defence systems and technologies, as per Business Standard. These include the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, Airborne Early Warning & Control System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Drone Detection and Deterrence System, Satellite-Based Surveillance System, Medium Power Radar ‘Arudhra’, Lightweight Torpedo, Electronic Warfare System ‘Dharashakti’, Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon, Very Short Range Air Defence System, Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System, Secure Satellite Phone, and the UGRAM Assault Rifle. It should be noted that these will likely be visual representations or replicas rather than operational units.
According to ET, Major General Sumit Mehta highlighted, “The things that will come for the first time include battlefield surveillance systems and the DRDO tableau, which is depicting Pralay, a short-range ballistic missile. This is the fourth time that an Indonesian president is coming as chief guest.”
DRDO’s commitment to self-reliance and national security is further exemplified by its showcase of the Pralay Weapon System, a state-of-the-art surface-to-surface tactical missile. Other DRDO-developed systems will feature in various Armed Forces contingents during the parade.
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These include the Nag Missile System, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, and Akash surface-to-air missile system. The Short Span Bridging System 10m, designed for rapid troop mobility across obstacles, will also be displayed.
DRDO’s focus aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ visions, involving collaboration with academia, industry, start-ups, and the armed forces. Major General Mehta also mentioned that about 5,000 cultural artists would perform along the ceremonial path to ensure visibility for everyone, along with the usual proceedings.
“In previous years, performers mainly marched along the ceremonial path near the presidential box. This time, performances will be spread across the ceremonial path, ensuring visibility for everyone,” he added.
