DRDO conducts 3 successful missile tests, boosts India's ballistic missile defence shield

India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its indigenous missile defence architecture with the successful completion of three consecutive missile flight tests conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 10 and 11.

Advancement in ballistic missile defence

The back-to-back trials showcased major advancements in both ballistic missile defence (BMD) and anti-ship warfare capabilities, reinforcing India's efforts to develop a robust multi-layered shield against evolving aerial and maritime threats.

As part of the exercise, DRDO successfully tested two advanced interceptor missiles designed for Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) defence from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. These interceptor systems are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying hostile ballistic missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km.

Trial demonstrated effectiveness in missile capability

The tests validated their performance in both endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric interception scenarios, with the missiles successfully engaging their intended targets.

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According to DRDO, the trials demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-layered ballistic missile defence architecture capable of countering long-range threats, including missiles belonging to the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) category. The successful interceptions highlighted the system's ability to respond to complex missile threats at different stages of flight.

What does a ballistic-missile consist of?

A ballistic missile defence system consists of an integrated network of radars, command centres and interceptor missiles that work together to detect, track and neutralise incoming ballistic missiles. Such systems are considered critical for national security and strategic deterrence, enabling countries to defend against advanced missile attacks both within the atmosphere and in outer space.

In a separate milestone, DRDO also carried out the maiden flight trial of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR). Launched from a naval platform, the missile successfully demonstrated precision navigation, low-altitude sea-skimming flight and accurate terminal engagement capabilities against maritime targets.

Senior officials monitored the excercise

Senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces witnessed the trials. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the exercises and commended the coordinated efforts of scientists and industry partners in executing multiple complex missions within a 24-hour period.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful demonstrations, describing the achievement as a major boost to India's defence preparedness. The successful tests place India among a select group of nations possessing advanced ballistic missile defence capabilities against high-end missile threats.