DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor

India Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor AD-1 missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

The flight-test was carried out with the participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations.

The AD-1 is a long-range 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 indigenously-developed advanced control system, navigation and guidance algorithm to precisely guide the vehicle to the target.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and other teams associated with the successful flight trial of AD-1.

He termed it as a unique type of interceptor with advanced technologies available with a very few nations in the world.

 He exuded confidence that it will further strengthen the country's BMD capability to the next level. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated his team on the successful trial.