India successfully test-fires interceptor missile

Balasore (Odisha): India on Saturday successfully test-fired its interceptor missile off the Odisha coast, achieving a significant milestone in the direction of developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system.
The interceptor was launched from Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island) of ITR at about 7:45am (IST). This mission, termed as "PDV mission is for engaging the targets in the exo-atmosphere region at an altitude above 50km of earth's atmosphere", said a Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) official.
"Both, the PDV interceptor and the two stage target missile, were successfully engaged," he said. The target was developed for mimicking a hostile Ballistic Missile approaching from more than 2,000km away was launched from a ship anchored 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 the missile crossed the 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the successful test of interceptor missile and used the occasion to take a dig at opponents, saying they would now have to travel "very high" if they want proof of it. Addressing an election rally here, Modi congratulated the scientists for developing the defence system. He said the opposition would now come seeking the proof of the successful test.
"They (opposition) ask proof of surgical strikes. Now if they question this feat, they have to travel very high to check its authenticity," he said at an election rally here. His remarks came hours after India successfully test-fired its interceptor missile off the Odisha coast, achieving a significant milestone in the direction of developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system. The mission is for engaging targets in the exo-atmosphere region at an altitude above 50 km of earth's atmosphere.
Days after the government said its troops carried out surgical strikes by crossing the Line of Control to hunt terrorists, opposition parties including Congress and Aam Aadmi Party had asked for a proof.