DRDO readying for next round of BMD tests - hypersonic 'interceptor' missiles to be tested

New Delhi: India is all set for another round of tests of its fast developing ballistic missile defence (BMD) system over the next few days. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the country's missile establishment will test an  "exo-atmospheric" hypersonic interceptor missile, which will take on "a longer range enemy" missile, in the 2,000-km class, over the Bay of Bengal.

India is developing a two-tier BMD system, which through a series of tests, beginning November 2006,   has shown capability of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the earth's atmosphere. DRDO's missile laboratories have already tested various elements of the  system twice.

The third test, which will be conducted from the Wheeler Island off Orissa's coast, will be that of an "exo-atmospheric" hypersonic interceptor missile, which will take on "a longer range enemy" missile, in the 2,000-km class, at an altitude of around 80-km.

The first test of the BMD system took place in November 2006 when an "exo-atmospheric" hypersonic interceptor missile successfully destroyed an incoming Prithvi missile at an altitude of around 40-50 km.

The second test, almost a year later, in December 2007, was of 'endo-atmospheric' in configuration when an interceptor missile took on an 'enemy' missile at a 15-km altitude.

According to DRDO sources, the third test will be backed up with a test that will see both the "exo" and "endo" interceptor missiles in action simultaneously. These integrated tests are likely sometime in  the September-October period.

While the current round of tests will take on "2,000-km class targets," the next round of tests will be aimed at targeting threats from missiles in the 5,000-km range.