DRDO conducts successful test of Interceptor missile

Balasore: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Friday successfully test launched the Air Defence Missile AAD-05 from the Indian Army's Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur in Orissa's Balasore District.

The missile successfully hit the ballistic missile and destroyed it at a height of 15 kms off the Coast of Orissa near the Wheelers Island.

A modified Prithvi missile mimicking the ballistic missile was launched at 1010 hrs from ITR Chandipur with radars located at different locations tracking the incoming ballistic missile.

The onboard radio frequency seeker identified the target missile, guided the AAD-05 Interceptor missile close to the target missile, hitting it directly and destroying it.

It is being considered as one of the finest missions where an interceptor missile has hit an incoming ballistic missile directly at an altitude of 15 kms.

India is the fifth nation to have ballistic missile defence capabilities in the world.

Scientific Advisor to Minister of Defence, Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat reviewed the total configuration and mission and also witnessed the launch alongwith SP Dash, Director ITR, Dr SK Chaudhuri, Director RCI and other top DRDO scientists

The mission was also witnessed by senior officials of the three armed forces.

Defence Minister A K Antony has congratulated all the scientists for the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence.