On July 24, 2024, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully flight-testing the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System. The test involved launching a target missile from Launch Complex IV at Dhamra at 1620 hrs, which simulated an adversarial ballistic missile. This was promptly detected by weapon system radars positioned on land and sea, triggering the activation of the AD Interceptor system.
Minutes later, at 1624 hrs, the Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from Launch Complex III at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur. The missile system successfully engaged and neutralized the target, meeting all trial objectives and validating the network-centric warfare weapon system. This system integrates long-range sensors, a low latency communication system, and advanced interceptor missiles.
This successful test demonstrated India’s indigenous capability to defend against class 5000 km ballistic missiles. The missile’s performance was meticulously monitored through flight data captured by range tracking instruments such as electro-optical systems, radars, and telemetry stations deployed by ITR Chandipur at various strategic locations, including on-board a ship.
The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile, an indigenously developed two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched missile system, is designed to neutralize a variety of enemy ballistic missile threats within endo to low exo-atmospheric altitudes. This test incorporated several state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO for the successful flight test, highlighting its importance in demonstrating India’s advanced ballistic missile defence capabilities. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also congratulated the DRDO team for their relentless efforts and contributions that led to this achievement.
