India joined the elite group of countries on Friday, after successfully conducting three consecutive flight tests against long-range ballistic missiles. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the flight tests on June 10 and 11, the completion of which represents a major step in India’s defense capabilities.
Not only flight tests, but the first flight test of medium-range anti-ship defense was also successful. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on both the achievements.
HT has learned that two interceptor missiles tested by DRDO are capable of destroying enemy missiles with a range of 2,000 km to 5,000 km, classified as Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs).
Government sources said that the interceptor missiles, whose identity remains unknown to the government, are extra-atmospheric and intra-atmospheric missiles, and will soon be headed for testing with the success of the flight tests.
Why does India want to strengthen ballistic missile defense?
India has seen an increased focus on ballistic missile defense over the past few months. This time last year, the DRDO reportedly began work on a modified version of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, designed to penetrate reinforced subterranean facilities.
More recently, in April, the Indian Navy commissioned its latest nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, the Arihant-class III, which has the ability to become a launch pad to deliver nuclear warheads thousands of kilometers away.
India is developing a new class of high-powered missiles, some of which even have bunker-busting capabilities, which can target enemy facilities buried under layers of concrete.
Read also: The first ‘Made in India’ Airbus C-295 completes its maiden test flight from Vadodara
Sources told HT that the focus on enhancing ballistic missiles has increased as Pakistan is also developing long-range ballistic missiles like Fateh-1, Fateh-2 and P282 of Chinese origin.
India is now part of an elite group of countries
With the success of three successive missile tests, India is now part of a select group of countries that have the capability to defend against ballistic missile attacks, including threats posed by long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles, Rajnath Singh said on Friday, without specifying the other countries on the list.
This represents a huge milestone for India.
Read also: DRDO successfully tests ULPGM-V3 missile It’s all about the original weapon
Senior DRDO officials lauded the coordinated efforts of DRDO scientists, industry partners and the Armed Forces for successfully carrying out multiple complex tests within 24 hours.
