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Interceptor missile successfully tested
Context
Testing of missiles
What has happened?
India on Thursday successfully test-fired an Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile, capable of destroying enemy ballistic missiles at low altitude, from a test range in Odisha
Backdrop
The missile is being developed as part the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and it was the third successful test this year
Direct hit
The endo-atmospheric interceptor made a direct hit with the incoming missile at an altitude of 15 km, completely destroying it. This version has been tested several times, proving its reliability
- It should be noted that shooting down an incoming missile at lower altitudes is more complicated than shooting at higher altitudes due to the higher velocity of the missile
What does BMD consist of?
The BMD consists of two interceptor missiles,
- The Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) for exo-atmospheric ranges
- The Advanced Area Defence (AAD) missile for endo-atmosphere or lower altitudes
