CHANDIPUR (ODISHA), October 12 — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted a consecutive developmental flight test of the indigenous Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missile, designated AD-1, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the flight trial validated complete mission objectives across atmospheric altitudes spanning low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric engagement bands. The missile interception sequence was tracked and monitored by an array of multi-function radar nodes, long-range telemetry assets, and electro-optical tracking complexes networked across multiple strategic deployment sites, establishing precise kill capabilities against simulated high-altitude ballistic threats.
The AD-1 is an advanced two-stage solid propellant missile engineered with indigenously designed advanced control actuators, state-of-the-art ring laser gyroscope inertial guidance systems, and dual-mode seekers capable of neutralising hostile ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 kilometers as well as low-flying hypersonic aircraft.
India's two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence shield architecture (Phase-I comprising Prithvi Air Defence [PAD] and Advanced Air Defence [AAD]; Phase-II incorporating AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors), historical evolution under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP launched in 1983), and India's Nuclear Doctrine (No First Use and Credible Minimum Deterrence) are vital analytical areas across UPSC Civil Services (GS-III: Defence & Technology) and CDS examinations.