BALASORE: After a failed mission of Prithvi-II ballistic missile in December, the Defence Research and Development Organisation is readying for a crucial test of a supersonic endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a test facility off the Odisha coast.
According to sources, a deliverable version of the sophisticated Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile will be test-launched from the Wheelers Island any time between February 8 and 10. “A team of scientists and technical staff have arrived here on Sunday for the preparation of AAD. Initially we have planned to test the interceptor on February 8,’’ an official said adding that the fresh test of Prithvi-II missile is yet to be decided.
According to the programme, the interceptor missile will destroy an incoming hostile missile mid-flight. The mission is aimed at observing the operational effectiveness of the indigenously developed high-speed interceptor, which is considered as similar to the American PAC-3 system in terms of range and altitude of interception. During the exercise, a Prithvi missile modified to mimic an enemy missile will lift off from the launching complex-III at Chandipur and it will be destroyed by the interceptor fired from Wheeler Island in the endo-atmospheric region (at an altitude of 15-20 km). India has a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system capable of destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the earth’s atmosphere.