Supersonic interceptor missile successfully test-fired

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful tested supersonic endo-atmospheric interceptor missile developed under Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Air Defence (AAD) System from Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheeler Island) Odisha.

About Test

The interceptor missile was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1,500 km class ballistic missile. The mission objectives of test were successfully met. One of its target was selected on real time and weapon system radars tracked target and locked missile on to it and intercepted it in mid-air on sea surface with high degree of accuracy. The complete test including engagement and interception was tracked by number of electro-optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations. This test validated some improved features incorporated in validate some improved features incorporated in interceptor missile while its missile major health parameters including its ‘kill’ effect already have been validated in earlier tests.

Interceptor Missile

The endo-atmospheric interceptor missile is yet to get formal name. It has been developed as part of indegenous efforts to have multi-layer ballistic missile defence system, capable of destroying incoming hostile ballistic missiles. It is 7.5-metre long and is capable of intercepting incoming targets at altitude of 15 to 25 km.
It is single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It equipped with navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator, sources said. It has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.

Background

DRDO has spearheaded India’s double-layered interceptor ballistic missile defence (BMD) programme. It consists of two interceptor missiles, Advanced Area Defence (AAD) missile for endo-atmosphere or lower altitudes and Prithvi Defence Vehicle for exo-atmospheric ranges. DRDO expects deployment of this indegenous BMD shield by 2022. It will make India fourth country in the world after US, Russia and Israel to successfully built effective anti-ballistic missile system.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2018