The Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday that India's multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability was successfully demonstrated during a series of tests conducted on June 10 and 11. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) executed three consecutive flight tests of the system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.
Elite Group of Nations
According to the ministry, these successful trials place India in an elite group of nations possessing BMD capability to engage targets up to Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) ranges. An ICBM is defined as a missile with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometers. The BMD system is designed to intercept such incoming threats.
Naval Missile Test
Among the series of tests, the DRDO also conducted the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), designed to target enemy ships at sea.
The ministry stated: “The interceptors successfully engaged their respective targets. The systems have been designed and developed with the latest technologies to address emerging missile threats.”
Development Over Two Decades
India has been developing missile interceptors for the past two decades. The first test of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) interceptor for high-altitude engagements took place in 2006-07, followed by trials of the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor for low-altitude interceptions. The system was further refined with multiple successful tests off the Odisha coast in 2017 and 2018, demonstrating high accuracy against simulated ballistic missile targets.
In April 2023, India conducted the maiden flight test of a sea-based BMD interceptor. The latest tests are part of the next stage of development to achieve long-range, high-speed interception capabilities, including countering ICBM-class threats. Prior tests were also conducted in 2022 and July 2024.
Government and DRDO Leadership
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO on the successful demonstration of these crucial technologies. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the DRDO, closely monitored the trials and applauded the combined efforts of DRDO and industry partners.
