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New Delhi: In a significant step towards developing a missile defence shield, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will for the second time test-fire a missile to intercept an incoming target in the exo-atmosphere - above 40 km altitude - in the next few days.
The first test of the interceptor missile was conducted in 2006.
On December 6 last year, the DRDO had successfully tested an endo-atmospheric - altitude of below of 30 km - version of the ballistic missile defence system for the second time.
"This time the interceptor missile, which carries a warhead weighing up to 25 kg, will be tested to target a missile in the exo-atmosphere over a longer range," said a senior DRDO official, requesting anonymity.
Further tests
The DRDO proposes to conduct further endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric tests of the system in November.
DRDO says the Pradyumna is comparable to the Israeli Arrow and the American Patriot systems.
The missile shield will comprise highly sensitive radars to track incoming missiles and an interceptor to destroy them. The system has been designed to protect populated areas and vital installations like nuclear power stations and oil wells. Advanced guidance systems ensure that the two missiles collide within a matter of seconds, thereby saving vital installations targeted by the incoming missile.
DRDO needs to carry out at least three to four trials with both versions before the missile shield can be considered ready for operational use.
"The test is likely to be conducted in Chandipur off the Orissa coast.
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