Supersonic Interceptor to destroy incoming missiles successfully test-fired
New Delhi : In an attempt to destroy any incoming hostile ballistic missile, India on August 2, successfully test-fired the indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile, from a test range off Odisha coast.
"DRDO conducted the successful test of the Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Area Defence (AAD) at 1130 hours today from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha," a Defence Ministry statement said.
Describing the success of the trial, the ministry said, "The mission objectives were successfully met".
Also, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the Defence Research and Development (DRDO) on the successful flight test, thereby enhancing the defence capabilities of the country.
". @DRDO_India successfully tested Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Air Defence (AAD) at 11:30 hrs today from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha & all mission objectives were accurately met. The missile is capable of destroying incoming hostile targets at altitude of 15 to 25 kms," she tweeted.
“The endo-atmospheric missile, capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 km was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1,500 km class ballistic missile,” the release said.
“One target among simultaneously incoming multiple targets was selected on real time, the weapon system radars tracked the target and the missile locked on to it and intercepted the target with a high degree of accuracy,” it said.
Sources confirmed that the entire engagement and interception was tracked by a number of electro-optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations. The interceptor is a 7.5-metre long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
Moreover, the interceptor missile had its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, was present during the flight test along with other senior officials, the release said.
This multi-layer ballistic missile defence system is an advanced air defence missile which will get a formal name soon. It was positioned at launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range on Dr Abdul Kalam Island and yelled on its trajectory to hit the target mid-air on sea surface.
"While the missile's major health parameters, including its 'kill' effect, have already been validated in earlier tests, today's test was to validate some improved features incorporated in it," the sources added.
