On Wednesday, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.

The test commenced at 4:20 PM (1620 hours) when a Target Missile, simulating an adversary's Ballistic Missile, was launched from LC-IV at Dharma Island.

"Today, 24th July 2024, the @DRDO_India successfully flight-tested Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has congratulated DRDO for today’s successful flight test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System and stated that the test has again demonstrated our Ballistic Missiles Defence capability," Defence Ministry's official X handle post read.

"The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipurat 1624 hrs. The flight test fully met all the trial objectives validating complete network centric warfare weapon system consisting of Long Range Sensors, low latency communication system and MCC and Advance Interceptor missiles," a statement released by DRDO read.

The test has demonstrated the nation’s indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of the 5000 km class. The missile’s performance was monitored using flight data captured by range tracking instruments, such as electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations deployed by ITR, Chandipur, at various locations, including on-board a ship.

The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched missile system designed to neutralise various types of enemy ballistic missile threats in the altitude range from endo-atmospheric to low exo-atmospheric regions. Numerous state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories have been incorporated into the missile system.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO on the successful flight test, stating that it has once again demonstrated the nation's ballistic missile defence capability. Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, congratulated the entire DRDO team for their tireless efforts and contributions culminating in the successful flight test.

Image source: ANI