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India test-fires new interceptor missile

Balasore (Odisha), April 27
In a significant milestone in the direction of developing a two-layered ballistic missile defence system, India today successfully carried out its maiden Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) test-fire meeting the mission objectives.

“The PDV mission is for engaging targets in the exo-atmosphere region at more than 120 km altitude," Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) said after the trial conducted on Odisha coast.

“Both the PDV interceptor and the two stage target equipped with motors were specially developed for the mission. The target, developed for mimicking a “hostile ballistic missile approaching from more than 2,000 km away”, was launched at 9.07 am from a Ship in the Bay of Bengal,” it said.

“In an automated operation, radar based detection and tracking system detected and tracked the enemy’s ballistic missile. The computer network with the help of data received from radars predicted the trajectory of the incoming ballistic missile,” it said.

The PDV that was kept fully ready, took-off from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, about 100 km from here, once the computer system gave the necessary command for lift-off, the DRDO release said.

“The interceptor guided by high accuracy Inertial Navigation System (INS) supported by a Redundant Micro Navigation System moved towards the estimated point of the interception,” it said.

Once the missile crossed atmosphere, the heat shield ejected and the IR (Infrared) seeker dome opened to look at the target location as designated by the Mission Computer.

With the help of Inertial Guidance and IR Seeker the missile moved for interception. “All events were monitored in real-time by telemetry/range stations, at various other locations. The mission was completed and the interception parameters were achieved,” said Ravi Kumar Gupta, noted defence scientist and Director, Directorate of Public Interface of DRDO.

All the mission objectives were met, a senior DRDO official said, adding a significant milestone was achieved in the direction of developing a two-layered ballistic missile defence system with the successful trial.

Avinash Chander, scientific advisor to the defence Minister, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Director General of DRDO, congratulated the mission team.

Many distinguished defence scientists and senior officials of DRDO were present during the PDV mission. — PTI

Two-layered defence system

• The DRDO said the PDV mission is for engaging targets in the exo-atmosphere region at more than 120-km altitude.
• A significant milestone was achieved in the direction of developing a two-layered ballistic missile defence system with the successful trial, it said.