New Delhi: India has moved a step closer to strengthening its strategic defence network after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight tests showcasing a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and a new medium-range Naval Anti-Ship Missile capability.
The successful demonstrations highlighted India's growing ability to counter both ballistic missile threats and hostile naval targets using indigenously developed technologies.
Announcing the achievement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the tests reflected significant progress in the country's defence preparedness.
"DRDO has successfully demonstrated multiple crucial technologies bolstering the nation's defence capabilities against different types of enemy threats. Three consecutive flight tests were successfully conducted to demonstrate multi-layered defence against long-range Ballistic Missiles and Anti-ship capability at medium range," Singh said in a post on X.
The trials validated India's multi-layered missile defence architecture, with interceptor systems successfully detecting, tracking and destroying assigned targets. Designed to operate across multiple altitudes and engagement ranges, the system creates several opportunities to intercept incoming ballistic missiles before they can strike their targets.
The defence minister said the technologies were developed to address emerging missile threats and strengthen the country's defensive capabilities.
"These tests have put India in an elite group of nations having Ballistics Missile Defence Capabilities to engage Ballistic Missiles up to ICBMs," Singh said.
The capability is considered significant as long-range ballistic missiles continue to play a central role in modern warfare. A layered missile shield can help protect military installations, strategic infrastructure and civilian population centres from both conventional and nuclear missile attacks.
The tests also demonstrated the growing maturity of indigenous defence technologies developed by DRDO, including interceptor systems, advanced sensors, tracking radars and command-and-control networks operating as an integrated defence system.
Alongside the missile defence trials, DRDO carried out the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR). The missile is expected to enhance the Indian Navy's ability to engage hostile surface combatants from stand-off distances and strengthen India's maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.
The developments align with the government's push to expand domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reduce dependence on foreign military technologies.
Separately, while inaugurating an Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, Singh spoke about Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-level missile defence programme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address.
According to the minister, the programme is being designed as a comprehensive missile defence shield capable of protecting military facilities, critical infrastructure, civilian assets and key establishments, while retaining the ability to deliver a "decisive punch" when required.
He said the proposed three-layered protection architecture would focus on safeguarding citizens and minimising disruption during security emergencies.
With successful demonstrations of both missile interception and naval strike capabilities, the focus is expected to shift towards production, deployment and integration of these systems into the operational framework of the armed forces.
BI Bureau
