DRDO demonstrates ballistic missile defence capability
DRDO's successful demonstration of a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system places India among a very select group of nations (USA, Russia, Israel, China) capable of intercepting ICBMs, directly relevant to GS III's Science & Technology and Internal Security segments. This development also underscores India's push for defence indigenisation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. For Mains, it raises questions about strategic deterrence, India's security doctrine, and the geopolitical implications in the context of India-Pakistan-China equations.
Key facts
- DRDO successfully tested a Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system capable of engaging ICBMs.
- With this, India joins a small elite group of nations — USA, Russia, Israel, and China — with ICBM-intercept capability.
- The system is 'multi-layered', meaning it can intercept ballistic missiles at different phases: boost, mid-course, and terminal.
- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for India's defence R&D.
- ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 km and are among the most challenging targets to intercept due to their speed and trajectory.
- Maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested a Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability. This system can engage targets including Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMS). With this advancement, India joins an elite group of nations that possess the ability to defend against ICBMs.
Concepts to know
A system designed to detect, track, intercept and destroy ballistic missiles before they reach their target. Multi-layered BMD operates across boost phase, mid-course phase, and terminal phase, making it far more effective than single-layer systems.
A missile with a minimum range of 5,500 km, typically capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Their high speed, altitude, and trajectory make interception extremely technically challenging.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is India's premier defence R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence. It is responsible for developing cutting-edge military technology including missiles, radars, and now BMD systems.
A policy initiative to reduce India's dependence on defence imports by promoting indigenous research, development, and manufacturing of defence equipment. DRDO's BMD success is a key milestone under this initiative.
The use of military capability — offensive or defensive — to dissuade adversaries from initiating an attack. A BMD system adds a defensive layer to India's nuclear deterrence posture by potentially neutralising incoming nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles.
Ballistic missiles can be intercepted in three phases: boost phase (just after launch), mid-course phase (in space), and terminal phase (re-entry). Multi-layered BMD systems target missiles across multiple phases, improving overall kill probability.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
Consider the following statements: 1. In November, 2006 DRDO successfully conducted the interception test using the Prithvi-II missile. 2. Prithivi-II is a surface-to-surface missile and can be deployed to guard the metros against air attacks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only
- c.Both 1 and 2 ✓
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
Science & Tech · UPSC 2007Consider the following statements: 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2 ✓
Science & Tech · UPSC 2023With reference to India's defence, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type Description I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft III. C-17 Globe-master III : Military transport aircraft How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None
- a.Only one
- b.Only two ✓
- c.All the three
- d.None
General Studies · UPSC 2025How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India? 1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country. 2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures. 3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and interdepartmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes. 4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilisation of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- a.1, 2 and 3 only
- b.3 and 4 only ✓
- c.4 only
- d.1, 2, 3 and 4
Economy · UPSC 2012Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List-I --- List-II A. UN Development Programme --- 1. UN India Human Development Report B. National Council of Applied Economic Research --- 2. India Development Report C. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research --- 3. World Development Report D. World Bank --- 4. Human Development Report Codes: (a) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4 (b) A-4; B-2; C-1; D-3 (c) A-2; B-3; C-4; D-1 (d) A-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
- a.A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4
- b.A-4; B-2; C-1; D-3 ✓
- c.A-2; B-3; C-4; D-1
- d.A-2; B-1; C-4; D-3
Economy · UPSC 2000In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements: 1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of the Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2 ✓
Science & Tech · UPSC 2009
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