India successfully test-fires interceptor missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s fourth interceptor missile was successfully test fired off Wheeler Island on Orissa’s coast on Monday.

The indigenous Advanced Air Defence (AAD) endo-atmospheric interceptor named Pradyumna targets ballistic missiles at low levels — in this case at an altitude of 15 km. The enemy missile that broke into fragments was tracked by various radars and sensors.

Each and every weapon system element, including command and control, communication and radar were satisfactorily performed. The radar in the interceptor is a derivative of Israel’s ground-based Green Pine radar.

The hypersonic interceptor could be engaged in endo as well as exo atmospheric conditions, DRDO sources said. AAD has a configuration close to the capability of the American Patriot anti-missile system.

Pradyumna can not only intercept, but also has the capability to detect aircraft and other flying objects at the border and can act as a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 180 km.

But there’s a basic difference between the interceptor missile and Akash and Trishul systems. The latter are command-guided missiles, whereas Pradyumna is a homing-guided missile.