After acquiring the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India in 2022, the Philippines is now exploring the purchase of the Pralay tactical ballistic missile, marking a major step in expanding its defence partnership with New Delhi.
According to reports, the move reflects Manila’s focus on modernising its armed forces with cutting-edge missile systems capable of maintaining tactical superiority in the contested Indo-Pacific region.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with BDL and BEL, Pralay is a road-mobile, solid-fuelled, canisterised missile system with a strike range of 150–500 km. It can deliver precision strikes using multiple warhead options, including penetration-cum-blast and runway denial submunitions, with payloads ranging from 350 to 1,000 kg.
With a top speed of Mach 6.1, Pralay is classified as hypersonic and features a quasi-ballistic trajectory with mid-course manoeuvrability, making interception by hostile air defence systems extremely difficult. It is guided by an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), supported by radar imaging and DSMAC terminal guidance, ensuring high accuracy against fortified or mobile targets.
Mounted on a 12×12 heavy mobility launcher vehicle, the missile can be deployed in just 10 minutes with a command-to-launch cycle of under 60 seconds, enhancing wartime responsiveness.
Strategic Impact
For the Philippines, which already strengthened its maritime deterrence through the $375 million BrahMos deal, Pralay would provide a complementary land-based strike capability, effectively broadening its deterrence posture against potential adversaries, particularly in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Armenia is also in advanced talks with India for Pralay, after a defence delegation reportedly witnessed its tests in July 2025. Armenia has emerged as one of India’s top arms buyers in recent years, with deals worth over $1.5 billion covering systems like Akash-1S missiles, Pinaka rocket launchers, ATAGS howitzers, and Ashwin BMD interceptors.
India’s Defence Export Push
The growing interest in Pralay underscores India’s rise as a credible global defence supplier under the government’s ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. By arming strategic partners like the Philippines and Armenia, India is not only boosting bilateral defence ties but also strengthening its geopolitical influence in regions where China is expanding its footprint.
If finalised, the Pralay deal would mark a new chapter in India’s missile diplomacy, positioning New Delhi as a trusted security provider in both Southeast Asia and the South Caucasus.
