Exo-Atmospheric Interception

Source- This post on Exo-Atmospheric Interception is based on the article “Iran-Israel crisis: Tel Aviv claims air-defence system stopped ‘99% of missiles’. What is Exo-Atmospheric Interception?” published in “Live Mint” on 14th April 2024.

Why in the News?

As tensions between Iran and Israel intensified, a video went viral on social media depicting  an Exo-atmospheric interception by Israel.

About Exo-Atmospheric Interception or anti-ballistic missiles

1. About: Exo-atmospheric missiles are surface-to-air missiles designed to counter incoming ballistic missiles. They are also known as anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs).

2. They are designed to intercept and destroy any type of ballistic threat during the mid-course or terminal phase of their trajectory.

3. They are specifically designed to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). It operates beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

4. Features:
a) It is equipped with advanced technology including infrared sensors and radar systems to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles and terminate them.

b) It travels at a hypersonic speed.

c) These missiles are guided by an inertial navigation system that is updated during flight using contour maps stored in the system’s computerized memory.

d) It uses a three-stage solid rocket booster to propel itself out of Earth’s atmosphere at near-hypersonic speed.

e) After reaching into space, it activates its sophisticated sensors to identify and track the incoming target.

They have an inbuilt rocket motor to navigate towards the target with exceptional accuracy.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)