India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) tested an indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile, the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile. The AAD is part of the first phase of India’s Ballistic Missile Defense initiative along with the Prithvi Air Defence missile. The Prithvi provides exoatmosphermic defense while the AAD is optimized for endo-atmospheric performance.
The Advance Air Defence (AAD) missile dubbed as Aswin was fired from the Adbul Kalam Island (formerly known as Wheeler Island) against an electronically generated target paving the way for its early deployment in the armed forces. The interceptor was launched a few minutes after the electronic target was fired.
India plans to deploy a two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence system to protect important cities and vital installations from enemy attack. The first phase seeks to destroy incoming enemy missiles of 2,000 km range, while the second phase envisages killing incoming missiles of more than 2,000 km.
About Advanced Air Defence interceptor missile
- The interceptor AAD missile has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Ballistic Missile Defence Programme.
- AAD missile is capable of destroying any incoming ballistic missile at lower (endo-atmospheric) altitude, giving full-fledged multi-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system to country.
- Features: It is a 7.5-meter tall and single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It is equipped with a navigation system along with a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
- It also has its own mobile launcher, sophisticated radars and independent tracking system to secure data link for interception and homing capabilities.
