The Hindu : Page 06
Syllabus : Prelims Fact
The DRDO successfully tested its Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, capable of intercepting missiles with ranges up to 5,000 km.
- The test demonstrated the capability to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km.
- Phase-I BMD, which intercepts missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km, is already deployed.
- The maiden test for Phase-II BMD was conducted in November 2022.
- During the test, a target missile was launched from LC-IV Dhamra at 1620 hrs to simulate an adversary’s ballistic missile.
- Weapon system radars on land and sea detected the target missile.
The Air Defence interceptor system was activated to engage the target
Ballistic Missile
- It is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a parabolic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined fixed target.
- Ballistic missiles can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
Ballistic Missile Defence System in India
- A Ballistic Missile Defence system (BMD) is a missile defence system that acts as a shield against ballistic missile attacks.
- India’s BMD development began in 1999, after the Kargil war.
- The primary aim was to augment India’s defence against possible nuclear attack from Pakistan.
- India seeks to deploy a functional ‘iron dome’ ballistic missile defence (BMD), incorporating both low-altitude and high-altitude interceptor missiles.
- India’s BMD is primarily developed by DRDO with help of many public and private firms like BEL, Astra Microwave, L&T, etc.
- Ballistic missiles of India: Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi and Trishul.
UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2023
Ques : Consider the following statements
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: d)
