Introduction to the Recent Triumph

  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently undertaken a successful test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
  • This successful test definitively highlights India's burgeoning capabilities in defending against long-range ballistic missile threats.

The Novelty Scrutinised

  • The newly tested Phase-II BMD system can intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km, thus enhancing India's strategic defence.
  • The two-stage, solid-propelled, ground-launched Phase-II missile is engineered for endo to low exo-atmospheric interception.
  • The test demonstrated a network-centric warfare weapon system, which includes long-range sensors, low-latency communication, and advanced interceptor missiles.

Background Details

  • The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme was initiated in 2000, post the Kargil War, with the objective to safeguard India from missile threats, specifically from neighbouring nations, Pakistan and China.
  • The approach adopted by the program is multi-layered, utilising interceptor missiles like Prithvi Air Defence and Advanced Air Defence.
  • With continuous global cooperation, efforts are being routed towards enhancing capabilities and procuring systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.
  • Its development began in 1999, post the Kargil war, with the principal aim of augmenting India's defence mechanisms against a possible nuclear attack from Pakistan.
  • India's objective is to deploy a functional 'iron dome' BMD, incorporating both low-altitude and high-altitude interceptor missiles.
  • The nation's BMD is primarily developed by DRDO with assistance from many public and private firms such as BEL, Astra Microwave, L&T etc.

Conclusion:

The successful test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence system is a significant step up in enhancing India's defence capabilities. The test demonstrates India's technological advancements in the field of defence and signals a key moment in India's strategic defence progression.

A Glance at the Phased Plan

  • The DRDO is developing an indigenous multi-tier network to counteract missiles with ranges of upto 2000 km in Phase 1 and 5000 km in Phase 2, respectively.
  • The network incorporates surveillance radars for the detection and tracking of incoming missiles.

An Insight into Ballistic Missiles

  • A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined fixed target.
  • Such missiles can carry a diverse range of payloads, from conventional high explosives to chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
  • Notable ballistic missiles of India are Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi, and Trishul.

Unveiling the Ballistic Missile Defence System in India

  • India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) is a defence mechanism designed to shield against ballistic missile attacks.