ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM
1. Context
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful maiden flight test of Phase -II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile with a large kill altitude bracket from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 02, 2022. The flight test was carried out with the participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations.
2. Introduction
The AD-1 is a long interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft. It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor and equipped with an indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation, and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.
During the flight test, all the sub-systems performed as per expectations and were validated by the data captured by several range sensors including Radar, Telemetry, and Electro-Optical Trackings stations deployed to capture the flight data.
3. Key facts about Advance Air Defence System (AAD)
- The AAD is a part of the two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system developed by the DRDO, the research and development wing of the Defence Ministry, with the Hyderabad-based Research Centre Impact (RCI).
- The endo-atmospheric missile is capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 Kms.
- The interceptor 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 second level of the system is the endo-atmosphere AAD missile.
- The interceptor missile has its own mobile launcher, secure data links for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.
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4. What is the Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) programme?
- A Ballistic missile is a type of missile that fires warheads at a target by moving the projectile. The majority of the flight is unpowered, so these weapons are only guided for short periods.
- India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program is said to have been started by the DRDO around the 2000s given the development of ballistic assets by Pakistan and China.
- The phase-I of the programme is said to have been completed towards the end of the 2010s and consisted of the advanced air defence systems and air defence systems based on the Pruthvi missile.
- The second phase focuses on the development of anti-ballistic defence systems like the US's Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence system which can neutralise intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Ballistic missile system, Advanced Air Defence System (AAD), DRDO,
For Mains: 1. What is an AD-I missile and explain the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme in detail?
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Source: PIB
