Armenia is showing a strong interest in buying India’s Pralay tactical ballistic missile after becoming the biggest buyer of Indian military equipment. This article explores why Indian missiles, especially the Pralay, are gaining attention in the global market.
Why Are Indian Missiles So Popular?
Indian missiles are becoming popular for several reasons. First, they are reliable and effective. Second, they are affordable compared to Western missiles, making them attractive, especially to developing countries. Third, India’s missile manufacturers have built a solid reputation, and they offer excellent support, like maintenance and programs to extend the life of the missile. These factors make Indian missiles a great choice for countries looking for cost-effective yet powerful military options.
Why Is Armenia Interested in the Pralay Missile?
In Armenia’s case, the country is seeking to buy weapons from trusted defense partners—and India fits that profile. For Armenia, cost is a significant factor. Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (Retd), a military veteran, explained that Armenia isn’t considering American missiles because they are too expensive and come with strings attached. Indian missiles, like Pralay, are cheaper and come without the conditions attached to American defense deals.
The Pralay missile offers several advantages. It is easy to transport, deploys quickly, and has faster operational capabilities, making it a great fit for Armenia’s needs.
What Makes the Pralay Missile Special?
The Pralay missile is based on Russia’s Iskander-M missile, which has been very successful, particularly in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. However, Pralay is a lighter and more user-friendly version of the Russian missile, making it even more appealing to buyers like Armenia.
Armenia’s interest in Pralay is part of a growing defense relationship with India. Armenia has already bought Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers from India, with defense imports from India now reaching $600 million this year.
Matheswaran believes this is a positive sign for India’s defense industry. He predicts that Armenia will continue to buy Indian arms, as it now trusts India’s military technology. This could open doors for India to export missiles and weapons to other countries as well. Once a high-quality missile like Pralay is sold, it often sparks interest from other nations looking for similar products.
The Legacy of India’s Missile Program
Commodore Seshadri Vasan (Retd) pointed out that India’s success in missile development comes from the efforts of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Under the leadership of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s missile development program achieved great success, allowing the country to master the technology behind a wide range of missiles, including surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and underwater missiles.
This expertise has given confidence to countries—especially developing ones—that Indian missiles are effective in combat.
The Pralay missile, for instance, has a range of 150 to 500 kilometers and can hit its target with incredible accuracy within minutes. Its name, “Pralay,” means “destruction” in Sanskrit, highlighting its ability to cause heavy damage. What really sets it apart is its success during tests. According to Vasan, Pralay’s effective error probability is only 10 meters, which is outstanding for a missile in its class. Its accuracy and effectiveness make it comparable to Russia’s Iskander-M, but with the added benefit of being more user-friendly.
Armenia’s Growing Trust in Indian Defense Technology
Pralay’s success in trials and its potential in real combat scenarios have caught Armenia’s attention. By choosing India as its defense partner, Armenia is not just making a financial decision—it’s building a strategic partnership with a reliable nation.
For India, this is a huge win. Selling missiles like Pralay to countries like Armenia boosts its defense exports and strengthens its reputation as a trusted arms supplier. As more countries watch Armenia’s deal with India, it could lead to even more international interest in Indian missiles.
In the end, the Pralay missile is a symbol of India’s rising influence in the global defense market. With its affordability, reliability, and cutting-edge technology, the Pralay is poised to become a key player in international military strategies. For countries like Armenia, it’s not just about buying a missile; it’s about securing a reliable and cost-effective weapon that can ensure their defense for years to come.
