Newsroom24x7 Staff

From a ship in Bay of Bengal: In a significant milestone achieved in the direction of developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system, DRDO today successfully carried out the maiden PDV mission meeting the mission objectives. PDV mission is for engaging the targets in the exo-atmosphere region at about more than 120km altitude.

Both, the PDV interceptor and the two stage target equipped with motors were specially developed for the PDV mission. The target was developed for mimicking a “hostile Ballistic Missile approaching from more than 2000 km away” was launched at 0907 hrs from a Ship in the Bay of Bengal.

In an automated operation, radar based detection and tracking system detected and tracked the enemy’s ballistic missile. The computer network with the help of data received from Radars predicted the Trajectory of the incoming Ballistic Missile. PDV that was kept fully ready, took-off once the Computer system gave the necessary command for lift-off.

The Interceptor guided by high accuracy Inertial Navigation System (INS) supported by a Redundant Micro Navigation System moved towards the estimated point of the interception. Once Missile crossed atmosphere, the Heat Shield ejected and the IR Seeker dome opened to look at the Target location as designated by the Mission Computer. With the help of Inertial Guidance and IR Seeker the Missile moved for interception.

All events were monitored in real-time by the Telemetry/Range Stations, at various other locations. The mission was completed and the interception parameters were achieved.

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Interceptor Missile.

In a message to Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman, DRDO, the President has said, “I extend my hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Interceptor Missile.

India now joins a select group of nations having such an effective Ballistic Missile Defence System. The nation is proud of this accomplishment made by DRDO. This is a significant milestone in boosting India’s defence capabilities and will provide enhanced security against incoming ballistic missile threats, the President has said in his message and conveyed his greetings and felicitations to the members of the team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this mission.”