‘If enemies target us from long range…’: DRDO chief on ballistic missiles

Last Updated Nov - 03 - 2022, 05:15 AM | Source : ANI

Defence Research and Development Organisation chief Dr Samir Kamat said the Phase II BMD (ballistic missile defence) AD-1 can intercept any projectile of the 5,

Odisha: The AD-1 interceptor missile that completed its maiden test Wednesday is 'a significant jump' in the Indian military's ability to protect the country from long-range ballistic missiles, Defence Research and Development Organisation chief Dr Samir Kamat told news agency ANI Thursday.

READ | Didn’t govt have to tell channel why security nod denied, asks SC

Dr Kamat said the Phase II BMD (ballistic missile defence) AD-1 can intercept any projectile of the 5,000 km-class.

"If enemies target (us) from long range, we now have the capability to intercept. It is a significant jump in our capability against ballistic missiles," he said.

"Once our radars pick it (the enemy missile) up, it (the AD-1) will be able to track it... our defence system can be activated and (the) missile can be intercepted. It is mainly endo-atmospheric but also works in low exo-atmospheric region. We're developing for high exo-atmospheric region."

READ | ‘Very interesting’ to see PM Modi praising Ashok Gehlot, says Sachin Pilot

Once operational and integrated, the two systems will provide the country with a multi-layered defence against incoming ballistic missiles, defence ministry officials said. The system offers a hit-to-kill probability of 99.8 per cent.

The ministry said the AD-1 can also be deployed against enemy aircraft.

Propelled by a two-stage solid motor, the missile has advanced (indigenously developed) control, navigation and guidance systems to strike with precision.

The AD-1 - described by officials as a missile with a 'large kill-altitude bracket' - was test-fired from the APJ Abdul Kalam island off the Odisha coast.

READ | You should make this law religion-neutral: Owaisi on MHA’s citizenship move

Officials said 'all systems performed as per expectations.'

Defence minister Rajnath Singh called the missile 'unique' and said it had technology 'available only with a few countries.'