New Delhi

India has successfully demonstrated its capability to intercept and destroy hostile ballistic missiles through a series of flight-tests, reinforcing its position among a select group of nations possessing advanced Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems capable of countering long-range missile threats.

According to the Defence Ministry, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three consecutive flight-tests on June 10 and 11, validating the country's multi-layered missile shield designed to neutralise incoming ballistic missiles at different stages of flight.

The tests showcased India's ability to intercept hostile missiles both within the Earth's atmosphere (endo-atmospheric) and outside it (exo-atmospheric).

"The interceptors successfully engaged their respective targets. The systems are designed and developed with the latest technologies to address emerging missile threats," the ministry said.

Elite group of nations

The ministry said the successful trials place India among an elite group of countries possessing sophisticated BMD capabilities.

"These tests have put the country in the elite group of nations having BMD capability to engage up to intercontinental ballistic missiles," it said.

India's BMD architecture is designed to protect against a wide range of aerial threats, including:

• Long-range ballistic missiles, including those carrying nuclear warheads,
• Medium-range ballistic missiles,
• Hostile military aircraft, and
• High-value assets such as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems).

Multi-layered defence shield

Under the BMD programme, India has been developing a two-tier interception system capable of engaging incoming threats at different altitudes.

• Endo-atmospheric interceptors operate within the Earth's atmosphere, typically below an altitude of about 100 kilometres.
• Exo-atmospheric interceptors are designed to destroy targets in the upper reaches beyond the atmosphere.

The latest trials validated both layers of this defensive shield, demonstrating the system's effectiveness against evolving missile threats.

Naval missile test also successful

The Defence Ministry also announced the successful maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), marking another milestone in India's indigenous defence capabilities.

The NASM-MR is intended to enhance the Indian Navy's precision strike capability against hostile maritime targets.

Rajnath Singh congratulates DRDO

The flight-tests were witnessed by senior officials from the DRDO and the armed forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the scientists and engineers involved in the programme.

He praised the DRDO for successfully demonstrating these critical technologies that significantly strengthen India's defence preparedness.

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The successful trials come amid increasing emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology and underscore India's growing capability to counter complex missile threats through indigenous systems.