The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully launched from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on December 28, 2017

India, on December 28, successfully conducted test of indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD) - anti ballistic missile interceptor. This is the third successful test in the series of anti ballistic missile test conducted during the ongoing year.

As part of the under development Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the interceptor missile (AAD) successfully scored a direct hit on incoming missile today at around 09:45 am from Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The interception was made an altitude of about 15 kilometre.

"The spectacular success puts India in the league of a very few select nations world over in the arena of critical defence technology. Today's direct interception is fourth in a row, where the missiles have scored a perfect hit on the incoming missile," Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Congratulating DRDO, Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman in a tweet said, "India successfully test-fired an indigenously developed AAD supersonic interceptor missile which is capable of destroying any incoming ballistic missile in low altitude."
"This achievement which will enhance our national security," she added.

After witnessing the test, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems) Dr G Sateesh Reddy said that the repeat performance of the interception demonstrates the country's professional capability in high technology oriented Ballistic Missile Defence.

During the test, the incoming ballistic missile was launched from Launch Complex-III complex of Integrated Test Range which was located and tracked by the radars located at different stations and the information was passed on to the Master Control Centre (MCC), which generated the expected trajectory of the target and alerted the interceptor missile.

Based on the flight path, the interceptor was launched from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheelers Island) off the coast of Odissa, at appropriate time for interception, which was initially guided by the Inertial Navigational System and the radars. Later, the onboard seeker of the AAD took over after a proper lock on to the target and guided the missile towards the target. The final interception was recorded by radars and Electro Optical and Telemetry Stations.

The single stage, solid propelled AAD, 7.5 meters high and 1.2 tonnes supersonic missile is part of the under developing multilayered anti ballistic missile defence system. On March 1, the last test of AAD was conducted which followed the successful test of exo-atmospheric Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor on February 11.

Chairman DRDO Dr S Christopher congratulated the scientists behind the magnificent feat and said that the test paved the way for self-reliance. Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sirish Deo and other senior officials from DRDO and armed forces were also present there.