Odisha: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted its first flight-test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday.
The test confirmed India’s ability to defend against ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km. The exercise involved launching a target missile from LC-IV Dhamra at 4:20 PM, mimicking an enemy ballistic missile. This was detected by radars on land and at sea, which activated the Anti-Missile Defence (AD) Interceptor system.
The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was then launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipur, at 4:24 PM. The test successfully achieved all planned objectives, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated network-centric warfare system, including long-range sensors, low-latency communications, and advanced interceptor missiles.
Flight data from tracking instruments, including those on an onboard ship, was used to monitor the missile’s performance. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is a two-stage, solid-propelled system designed to intercept ballistic missiles in the endo- and low exo-atmospheric regions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the successful test, underscoring the advancement of India’s ballistic missile defence capabilities.