India's BMD Interceptor Missile Tests Context: Successful tests have been conducted from the launch site at Chandipur, Odisha, for BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence) missiles—designed to intercept and destroy Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in mid-air—and for missiles designed to strike and destroy warships. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) Only the USA, Russia, China, France, India, the UK, North Korea, and Israel possess Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). These missiles travel beyond Earth's atmosphere, reenter the atmosphere at high speed, and precisely strike and destroy designated targets. Significance of the BMD Missile System Intercepting and destroying ICBMs in mid-air is extremely difficult. Only the USA, Russia, China, and Israel possess interceptor missiles capable of destroying ICBMs. India has now joined this group. Tests Conducted by DRDO The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted tests for a BMD missile capable of intercepting ICBMs in mid-air and an NASM-MR (Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range) missile designed to strike and destroy warships. All three tests, conducted from the Chandipur launch site in Odisha, were completely successful. One of these missiles is capable of intercepting and destroying targets outside the Earth's atmosphere. The other intercepts and destroys targets after they have re-entered the atmosphere. It possesses the capability to intercept and destroy hostile missiles. Inception of the BMD Program DRDO initiated the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program in 1999 to intercept and destroy Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Tests have been conducted continuously across various phases. Swordfish Radar System As part of this program, the state-of-the-art 'Swordfish' radar was procured from Israel in 2000. These radars are now being manufactured indigenously with Israel's permission. This system enables the precise detection of enemy missiles within a range of 1,500 to 5,000 km. Notably, it can simultaneously track up to 200 missiles. AD-1 and AD-2 Interceptor Missiles As a…
