Daily Times

BALASORE: In its efforts to have a full-fledged and multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system, India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile on Sunday capable of destroying any incoming hostile ballistic missile from a test range of Orissa coast, according to The Hindu. “The test was conducted to validate various parameters of the interceptor in flight mode has been successful,” Defence Research Development Organisation sources said. The test was conducted at Orissa coast where the interceptor was engaged against a target that was a naval version of Prithvi missile launched from a ship, taking up the role of an incoming “hostile ballistic missile”. The interceptor roared through its trajectory to destroy the incoming ‘hostile missile’ in mid-air. Labelled the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile, the interceptor is a 7.5-metre-long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. A DRDO scientist said, “The ‘kill’ effect of the interceptor was ascertained by analysing data from multiple tracking sources”. Sources said, “It is a 7.5-metre-long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.” The sources further informed that the interceptor missile had its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.