DRDO To Test Upgraded Interceptor Missile Next Week

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will test-fire a configured version of an interceptor missile from Wheeler Island on April 6. 

It will be launched against an electronic target missile for validating its capability to carry warheads and minimise the mis-distance, The Hindu reported on Monday.

DRDO has already conducted nine interceptor missile tests as part of India’s plans to deploy a two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence system to protect important cities and installations.

Six of the tests were conducted in the endo-atmosphere (below 40 km altitude) and three in exo-atmosphere (above 80 km). Eight of the tests were successful.

Another feature of the reconfigured version of the interceptor missile (AAD), powering the missile when the target missile is detected with a reduced reaction time, would also be tested during the mission. Since the entire exercise from detection till the terminal event is automated, the crucial capability to power the missile after detecting the target would prevent unnecessary powering of the missile, while keeping it alert mode.

While an actual AAD missile would be launched after the take-off of a target missile is simulated on April 6, scientists plan to carry out another exercise by April end in which both the interceptor and target missile would launched with warheads in a real, battle-like scenario.