Ballistic missile
Also called: Quasi-ballistic missile · Topic: India's External Relations, 1947-1999: Non-alignment, Wars and Nuclear Policy · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A ballistic missile is a rocket that is powered only at the start of its flight. After the engine stops, it follows a fixed, high, curved path, like a thrown stone, and gravity brings it down on the target. Because the path is fixed, defenders can predict where it is going and try to shoot it down.
A quasi-ballistic missile is a variation. It flies a lower, flatter path and can change direction (manoeuvre) during flight. This makes its path hard to predict and the missile harder to intercept. It also gives the other side less warning time.
Example
Pralay is India's quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile. DRDO built it, led by Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad. It was first flight-tested on 22 December 2021 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A user evaluation trial on 5 November 2026 met all its objectives, and induction (entry into service) was called "imminent". India's earlier Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles came from the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
Don't confuse with
- Cruise missile: it is powered for its whole flight and flies low, like an aircraft. A ballistic missile is powered only at launch and then coasts along its arc.
- No first use: this is India's nuclear policy that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons. It is a policy, not a type of missile. A ballistic missile may carry a conventional or a nuclear warhead.