SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to elevate its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program to Phase 3, with a focus on countering next-generation hypersonic threats. With the development of two cutting-edge interceptor missile systems, AD-AH and AD-AM, India will join an elite group of nations capable of neutralizing hypersonic projectiles.
While detailed specifics of the program remain under wraps, the introduction of these interceptors marks India’s ambition to join an exclusive club of nations capable of neutralizing hypersonic threats. Hypersonic weapons, travelling at speeds above Mach 5-9, present a unique challenge due to their speed, manoeuvrability, and the fact that they operate within the Earth’s atmosphere, evading traditional missile defence systems that are optimized for engagements in outer space.
AD-AH is engineered to tackle the complexities of intercepting hypersonic glide vehicles, which are known for their ability to change direction during flight, making them unpredictable and difficult targets.
AD-AM is tailored for engaging hypersonic cruise missiles, which maintain high speeds while flying within the atmosphere, often using complex flight paths to evade detection and interception.
These interceptors are anticipated to be the first of their kind globally, equipped with the necessary speed, heat resistance, and manoeuvrability to engage hypersonic threats effectively within the atmosphere. The development of these systems underscores the strategic shift in missile defence, from countering ballistic missiles in exo-atmospheric regions to dealing with the atmospheric manoeuvring of hypersonic threats.
Proponents of this technology argue that traditional missile defence systems, designed for intercepting ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, are ill-suited for the dynamic and swift nature of hypersonic projectiles. “Such a weapon is needed because existing missile defence systems are ineffective against hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles. This will be the first-ever interceptor with the speed, ability to withstand heat, and maneuverability required to intercept hypersonic threats in this environment,” a defence analyst commented.
The development of AD-AH and AD-AM signifies India’s push towards technological self-reliance in defence and its commitment to staying ahead in the arms race, particularly in a region where hypersonic weapon development is intensifying. These interceptors are expected to provide a significant deterrent capability, ensuring India can protect its skies from one of the most challenging threats of modern warfare.
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