The Indian Express:
BALASORE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is all set to flight-test an improved version of indigenously developed endo-atmosphereic interceptor missile, dubbed as Advanced Air Defence (AAD), from the defence base off Odisha coast. The missile is scheduled to be test-fired on April 6.
Preparations are afoot at Wheeler Island test facility for the fresh developmental trial of the ballistic missile, sources at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) said on Monday. A team comprising more than 100 scientists and technical staff are camping at the launching centre for the mission.
While it will be tenth trial of the home-grown interceptor ballistic missile, a successful trial will pave the way for its induction in the Armed Forces.
Of the nine tests conducted earlier, six in endo-atmospheric region (below the altitude of 40 km) and three in exo-atmosphere (above an altitude of 80 km), eight were successful.
A defence official said the updated version of the AAD interceptor missile will be tested from launching complex-IV of Wheeler Island against an electronic target. “It would be fired against an actual target missile, a modified version of Prithvi weapon system, later this month if this test is successful,” he said.
Operational effectiveness of the indigenously developed high-speed interceptor missile will be observed during the trial. The scientists are working overtime to make the mission successful. The missile is considered similar to the American PAC-3 system in terms of range and altitude of interception.
