The Indian Defense Research Establishment has achieved a major milestone after successfully conducting three consecutive missile flight tests on June 10 and 11, demonstrating key technologies of ballistic missile defense and anti-ship warfare capabilities.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said the tests demonstrated India’s multi-layered defense architecture against long-range ballistic missile threats, as well as its ability to engage hostile naval targets at medium range.
According to DRDO, the layered ballistic missile defense (BMD) system successfully intercepted its designated targets during the tests. The interceptors engaged and destroyed ballistic missile targets, validating technologies developed to counter emerging and advanced missile threats.
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High-ranking government sources told HT that the DRDO tested two interceptor missiles capable of neutralizing enemy missiles with a range of 2,000 km to 5,000 km, classified as Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs). The interceptor missiles, which the Modi government did not specify, are extra-atmospheric and intra-atmospheric. The sources said that the interceptor missiles will soon go to trial use after the completion of the experimental trials.
The reason behind DRDO giving top priority to ballistic missile defense is that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missiles like Fateh-1, Fateh-2 and P282 which are of Chinese origin, sources said.
The organization said the successful demonstrations place India among a select group of countries that possess the capability to defend against ballistic missile attacks, including threats posed by long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In a separate milestone, DRDO also conducted the maiden flight test of the Naval Medium-Range Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-MR). The test demonstrated the medium-range anti-ship capability of the missile, enhancing the naval strike options of the Indian Armed Forces.
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The trials were witnessed by senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces. Defense R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh closely monitored the missions and lauded the coordinated efforts of DRDO scientists, industry partners and the Armed Forces for successfully carrying out multiple complex tests within 24 hours.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful demonstrations, saying this achievement will significantly enhance India’s defense preparedness and enhance its ability to counter a wide range of air and sea threats.
